Heather

Heather, 37 from Seaton Delaval, joined Bridge Northumberland just before Christmas in December 2021. Heather has volunteer experience in many roles. From working in a charity shop, a library, café and a Community centre.

Heather was allocated Sheena as her one-to-one Bridge Worker. They had an initial meeting and planned out a plan of action at Heather’s pace. First on the action plan was to create a CV and personal statement and to explore areas for Heather to use her extensive skills and her natural caring personality. To help Heather progress in her search Sheena arranged for the loan of a tablet.

Heather has anxiety issues so building her confidence and self-esteem was important. Heather was happy to volunteer and put something back into her local community so Sheena suggested the cooking classes with Full Circle Food. Heather enjoyed the sessions and with her confidence and self-esteem growing she progressed to a volunteer placement at the Out of Sight Charity Shop. The Out of Sight Charity supports visually impaired children and their families living in North Tyneside.

Heather is thoroughly enjoying the volunteering role at Out of Sight and her confidence is growing from the weekly sessions. Kath, Manager of Out of Sight said:  “Heather came to us with such a range of experience! She just needed the support and encouragement to recognise how good she is! She demonstrates a real connection with our customers, communicating positively with them. She is happy to cover extra shifts and is already very much part of the team. We are planning to start Craft and Well-being sessions and Heather will contribute really positively with the delivery of these.”

Sheena, Heather’s Bridge Worker said:  “Heather is such a positive person who just wants to become involved in her community. She shares Bridge’s ethos of recognising and celebrating difference and has done lots of work for the recent International Women’s Day. She has so much experience and personality to give and I am so proud of her.”

Heather said: “Since starting Bridge just before Christmas 2021 I have loved being a part of their many different events, such as the cookery classes at The Full Circle Food Project in Ashington and now in my volunteering role with Out of Sight. Being part of the Out of Sight team has given me a chance to develop my confidence and skills even further, whilst feeling I am giving something back to a great cause in a great community. I am meeting new people, in new environments, knowing that I have the support and encouragement from my Bridge Worker.”

We have just had the news that Heather has been successful in her search for work and has been offered a job! Fantastic news and we are delighted for her.

We wish Heather all the best with her new job.