Blake’s Story
Blake was referred to Matt via the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) as he was struggling to find his place in the employment sector. When we first met, he came across as quite withdrawn and lacking in confidence. However, even in his initial session, Matt noticed that he began to open up. It was clear that Blake would benefit from the well-being service offered by Inspire.
To support Blake without overwhelming him, Matt created a step-by-step pathway plan with Blake. He was referred to the well-being service, and within a week, his job coach at DWP mentioned that he had really enjoyed his sessions with Matt. He found it relaxing and felt Matt was easy to talk to, which was reassuring given his initial uncertainty about the service. Matt’s holistic approach—listening to his aspirations and staying true to them—helped him feel at ease.
Over the next few sessions, they explored the job market. Blake expressed an interest in industry-related work but also wanted opportunities for career progression. They applied for several positions and apprenticeships, though unfortunately, these were unsuccessful. In response, they restructured Blake’s CV into a more compelling version and tailored cover letters for different employers.
After much searching and applying, they discovered an exciting opportunity in Stowmarket at a new distribution centre for The Range. The position was a full-time warehouse job with great pay and potential for career advancement, including supervisor roles and forklift training. This opportunity aligned perfectly with Blake’s goals.
Matt worked with Blake to craft the best application possible, and Blake’s determination was inspiring—his confidence was starting to return. His efforts paid off when he was offered an interview. To prepare, they focused on interview techniques, and Blake performed exceptionally well, securing the job on the spot! He was absolutely thrilled, telling me, “I can’t believe it’s been so long. I didn’t think I would be able to get a job again.”
In preparation for his new role, Matt conducted travel training, which Matt believed was crucial given his long period of unemployment. They familiarised ourselves with his travel route, including bus stops and necessary transfers, and even visited the warehouse site. Walking around the massive depot allowed Blake to take it all in and prepare mentally for his new work environment.
Blake expressed his gratitude after supporting him with his travel training, saying, “Thank you for today. This has been such a big help. I’m really excited about my future now, but I’m also a little sad because we won’t be having our sessions anymore. I’ll miss them.”
Blake’s journey is a testament to the power of tailored support, persistence, and belief in oneself. Seeing his transformation from uncertainty to excitement about his future has been incredibly rewarding, and we have no doubt that he will thrive in his new role.