Employment success for Zoe!

Zoe has volunteered at Westfield Farm in Dormanstown, Redcar for a considerable time, which has helped her build the confidence to begin searching for work again. In 2022, she was referred to our Employment Support team. Zoe’s son, who is autistic, was navigating the challenges of preparing for his GCSEs at school, with Zoe supporting him as a single parent. 

Zoe’s passion is gardening, and it’s something she truly wanted to pursue as a career. However, she realistically knew that, due to her inability to drive, turning this passion into a career would be difficult. Over the past 20 months, we’ve focused on upskilling her to help find a career she will enjoy. Throughout this journey, there’s been a lot going on at home; her mental health has fluctuated, and from day one, she has always stated, ‘I won’t be straight forward’. Zoe’s journey has been filled with ups and downs, but her motivation and determination have consistently seen her through the toughest times. She has successfully achieved her Functional Skills English Level 2, which is a significant accomplishment that will open many doors for Zoe, and she is also volunteering at First Steps, part of Footprints in the Community, a charity that supports people struggling with poverty and isolation in Redcar and Cleveland. 

Over the last 12 months, Zoe’s confidence and mental health have improved significantly. She is now actively reaching out to employers independently, attending interviews, and has completed courses she never thought she would, all to help her wellbeing and mental health. Furthermore, she is even more motivated and determined to show her son that anything is possible with a bit of hard work.