I was made redundant in January this year, and being in my 50s I knew it was going to be difficult to find a suitable post in Northumberland’s voluntary sector where I’d worked for the past 30 years.

I already knew the Bridge worker Andrew Beresford from a previous job so I approached him to help me update and redesign my CV, not expecting any more than that but was delighted in the services and support that were offered. Yes, he helped me bring my CV up to date with suggestions and ideas (never an instruction) but also helped me access other support from CAB and to explore the possibility of some training whilst job searching.

Andrew helped me see that an unsuccessful interview early on was just part of the job search pathway and to learn from the experience, rather than let it knock my confidence.

Maintaining motivation and confidence whilst unemployed are crucial and very difficult, particularly for someone who lives on their own, without a partner to help keep them going.

But then we all suddenly and unexpectedly went into lockdown and job vacancies disappeared overnight. It became increasingly difficult to see any possible job opportunities when the whole world was locked away in their homes, waiting for the pandemic to possibly get under some control.

However, Andrew kept in regular contact by phone, always cheerful and positive and looking to the future. After some months, he let me know of a vacancy in Alnwick which hadn’t been widely advertised but we both agreed it was right up my street.

He helped with online research for the post and made sure he phoned the day before my interview to give my flagging confidence a boost, which must have been just what I needed because I was offered the post.  All this whilst the country was still just opening up from lockdown. Andrew’s support continued right up until my start date for which I am very grateful.   

The confidence, motivation and support I received from the Bridge Project have been excellent and hugely appreciated, particularly when the Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in thousands of job losses nationally. In my new post, I expect to be working alongside the Bridge Project and I’ll be able to say with experience, that what they do, really does work!”

Well done Anne and Andrew, a great result for both!