Georgia’s Story

‘Inspire helped my future’: Georgia’s journey back to work after tragedy and homelessness

Georgia always knew she wanted to work with children.

After completing her childcare qualifications, she built a promising career in nurseries, before moving on to primary schools.

But sadly, her life took a drastic turn after a series of tragedies.

Georgia had finished a fixed-term placement at a school when her mother figure sadly passed away. She also experienced a relationship breakdown that saw her becoming homeless, sofa surfing and staying in hostels for three months.

She was struggling to live a day-to-day life, and didn’t feel she could return to work. Instead she was just coping with her grief, and attending the job centre when she needed to without taking anything in.

Realising she needed to make a change, Georgia, now 25, started therapy. This proved to her she needed to get back to herself, which is where she decided to join Inspire’s employability workshop and get back to work.

The course, run by our Youth Employment Service coach Tony, gave her more than just job search skills. She thrived in having a routine and purpose, saying: “It really gave me the kick that I needed to get back on track.

“Being in an educational setting reminded me of the job that I do, and why I love it.”

During the course, Georgia updated her CV, learned how to write a cover letter, and practiced interview skills. She also connected with others and regained her social confidence.

With her newfound self-belief, she started to apply for jobs and was offered an interview for a teaching assistant at a school for children with special education needs.

She was then asked back for a second interview, and was offered the job on the spot.

“Inspire helped me,” Gerogia added. “They helped my career and my future. My confidence has rocketed since being on the course.

“Tony was so helpful, he really pushed me to my limits and knew what I’d be capable of. He really helped me on my journey to finding my job.”