“It was great to see Jack grow in confidence. It was always apparent to me what a capable and caring young man he was and it just took the support of Bridge Northumberland to make him realise his own potential.”
Jack age 23 had been out of work for 2 years when he signed up to Bridge, feeling low and negative with little hope for a positive outcome. He was suffering from anxiety and depression and having real trouble motivating himself to get up in the mornings thinking “what was the point”.
His Bridge Worker Alex could see he needed some direction and a focus on something he could achieve. Jack built up his confidence through our counselling service initially and then went on a volunteering placement with The Miners Lamp community café in Prudhoe where he was welcomed and made to feel valued. He carried out gardening and litter picking which was just what he wanted having requested an outdoors placement.
These interventions helped him to get the motivation to apply for employment and the confidence to handle an interview successfully. Jack reported feeling more positive about the future and how he could face up to daily challenges without feeling afraid.
This led to him applying for a job and getting an interview for a Customer Assistant at Marks and Spencer. Bridge staff supported him with interview preparation and appropriate clothing which all paid off as we were delighted to hear he was successful in getting the job! He’s also managed to continue his volunteering and gone on to do more varied voluntary roles supporting others throughout the pandemic.
He said of his experience on the Bridge programme:
“When I came to start Bridge I didn’t have a very open mind but I quickly understood how they could help and how they tailored the experience to suit my needs. It was a positive experience which I would recommend to anyone. Thank you to my counsellor, Bridge Worker and voluntary placement assistant who helped me make this journey that had a great ending for me. I am employed now, and very happy.”
Leanne who supported him with his volunteering placement said:
“It was great to see Jack grow in confidence. It was always apparent to me what a capable and caring young man he was and it just took the support of Bridge Northumberland to make him realise his own potential.”
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