Jobseeker finds IT IS ‘what you know’ that matters

“Never in a million years did I think I would be a Support Worker,” says Carol. After a few years out of work, she seized control to make a change for herself and her son.

Starting with volunteering as an Estate Grader with her landlord, Hexagon Housing, she was soon confident enough to consider employment. 

Carol was put forward for a ‘7 Signs’ event, a programme run by Quids in! in partnership with landlords to support jobseekers. They are not like most courses. Attendees talk about themselves and start to see how much they have to offer. They think about what employers need from them. Then they plan how to show bosses they have what it takes. 

A short while after the two-day event, Carol heard about a new scheme we run, called Ele-ments. Here, participants sign up as a Quids in! Champion, who are treated as ‘experts through their lived experience’ of hardship. They join our teams at our drop-in centres around the country. She received twelve weeks of half a day’s paid work experience that comes with training and support. Carol received a certificate for the ‘Investing in your Future: Peer Support Worker Programme’, which she completed as part of the placement.

The idea is that Champions feel able to apply for support or care worker roles by the end. And that’s what Carol did.

“At the beginning of the interview I was nervous but as it progressed I was more relaxed. They made me feel welcome and gave good feedback. It really helped my confidence.”

Carol smashed it. She was soon helping deliver drop-in sessions in four London Boroughs. People looking for money guidance, employment support or internet access discover there’s someone there who knows what they’re going through.

She’s rightly proud of becoming a role model for anyone else who is struggling: “If I can succeed on this program so can anybody else,” she says.

Follow the QR code using your phone’s camera to read Denise and Issy’s stories of learning about the 7 Signs.