Paul knows that Working Matters

Working Matters is a specialised programme for individuals of all ages who are in receipt of Employment Support Allowance or who are in receipt of Universal Credit and have a Fit Note from their GP. Our aim is to work with you to understand what it is that you can and cannot do and what you would like to do, before drawing up an individual development plan aimed at getting you the physical, mental and vocational support, skills, confidence and experience to take up volunteering, enter permitted work allowing you to keep some or all of your benefits and to get a job in something that you are able to do.

Paul registered for Working Matters in February 2016. He has been unemployed since 2007, due to issues with alcohol and depression. He had previous support from RCA, APC, SAMH and Network Services and was keen to register for Working Matters for further support in regards to gaining employment. He had completed some IT courses and was interested in continuing this as he had found these beneficial in the past in regards to structure and routine. Working Matters funded the cost of his Fee Waiver to allow him to use his ILA for the IT courses.

Paul was also unsure how to search and apply for jobs therefore his Case Manager, Laura Smith, regularly assisted him in 1-1 job search activities including updating his CV and showing him how to apply for jobs by attaching his CV. We also registered on job sites including Universal Job Match and Indeed.

To further increase Paul’s social circle, Laura referred him to Recovery Across Mental Health (RAMH) for support and they assisted him in attending the “Men Shed”, where he met some new friends and acted as a photographer for the group when they held a celebratory event.

Laura also assisted Paul in successfully completing a health and safety course through Invest before beginning a volunteer role for Food Train as a driver’s mate. Through carrying this out on a weekly basis and visiting elderly clients in their homes, Paul and Laura identified that he may be interested in a career as a Carer. When an opportunity arose for Paul to complete a Sector Based Work Academy (SBWA) funded by Invest, he was very keen and has since successfully attended the accredited course and completed a work placement. Paul has now been offered an excellent job as a Carer with Renfrewshire Council and is awaiting a start date.

Additionally, Paul helped the Working Matters Team deliver a presentation to a board of judges when they were nominated for a Renfrewshire Council Staff Recognition Award in January 2017. The People Award is for Improving Outcomes for Local People. Unfortunately the Team did not win on the night, however Paul definitely helped us to get to the Final Four.

Congratulations Paul!

To find out how Working Matters could help you, please call our team on 0300 300 1180 or message our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/InvestinRenfrewshire/