Sam and Ben’s
Story
Celebrating the Journey of Sam and Ben: A Story of Growth and Determination
Sam and Ben, 25-year-old twins from Felixstowe, joined the YES service in November 2023 after facing challenges in their employment journey. Both brothers have shown incredible dedication, resilience, and a passion for building their futures, and we are proud to share their inspiring story.
Sam’s Journey
Sam, a lifelong Felixstowe local, is a football fan (a loyal Liverpool supporter!), Harry Potter enthusiast, and Eminem listener. After being let go from a warehouse job, he was referred to YES. At the time, Sam was already volunteering at the Sense charity shop, where his love for retail and people was clear.
Together with his YES coach, Laura, Sam explored the skills needed for various roles, including retail and kitchen work, and completed his Food Safety course. He also participated in the Suffolk Country Skills Employability workshop, gaining vital interview, CV, and cover letter skills.
Sam’s growth continued when he joined the Ipswich-based TEAM Programme. Over 12 weeks, he honed his teamwork, community engagement, and employability skills, all while growing in confidence. He even applied to volunteer at 4YP, the site where the TEAM Programme was held, and is now enjoying his role as a volunteer there.
Although Sam has aged out of the YES service, we facilitated a smooth handover to Anglia Care Trust, where he will receive ongoing support. Both Sam and Laura are proud of his transformation and look forward to seeing his continued success.
“My journey has been really good, I’ve learned new things, I now know how to work in a team. I know new skills. I’ve had new experiences.”
His message to other young people currently thinking about joining Inspire or one of their programmes is:
“Come and join and meet new people.”
Ben shares many interests with his twin brother, enjoying rap music, video games, and boxing. Initially referred to YES by the Job Centre, Ben expressed a strong interest in working in sports retail. Together, we explored opportunities and found a volunteering role at Sense, where he built transferable skills and boosted his confidence by eventually increasing his commitment to three days a week.
Like Sam, Ben completed his Food Safety course and participated in the Quick-Chat event run by Inspire, connecting with volunteer providers and exploring additional opportunities for well-being. Ben also joined the Ipswich-based TEAM Programme, earning a certificate in Employability, Teamwork, and Community.
As Ben transitions from the YES service, he is now working with Anglia Care Trust to continue his journey. We are excited to see where his future takes him and are proud of the progress he’s made.
A Shared Path of Growth
Both Sam and Ben have shown remarkable determination and resilience, making the most of every opportunity to grow their skills and confidence. From volunteering to training courses and the TEAM Programme, they have embraced challenges and are now well-equipped to continue building their futures.
We wish Sam and Ben all the best in their next steps and are grateful for the opportunity to support them on their journey. Their story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of tailored support programs.
#YouthEmployment #SuccessStories #BuildingFutures #YES
“Inspire is amazing and awesome. It’s helped me gain confidence. When I started I wasn’t volunteering and now I am volunteering 4 days a week with SENSE.