"I have learnt a lot through the work we have done together"

At the time of referral, I wasn’t very optimistic about my chances of finding work and it being something I could enjoy. However, after my first meeting it was clear that the ES would not just put me into any role; there was much emphasis on what my interests were and how they could align with roles available. I didn’t think the employment service would be this in-depth. My ES looked for a role that would suit me given my needs as someone under the CMHT. There was significant effort made to understand my aspirations for the future and the anxieties I had about entering employment.

The connections to companies my ES had for potential roles surprised me. It opened the possibility of being able to be employed in a field which I had great interest in. I was connected to one company through my ES who facilitated a visit to their factory. This was an amazing experience and gave me hope knowing I could see myself being placed in a role in this environment.

I was fully supported by my ES to create a CV and cover letter for a role. I was guided through the process of writing a CV to market myself to potential employers by focusing on the strengths and skills I already had. I gained experience in writing a comprehensive cover letter as an introduction to my CV. My ES showed me how it should be written to invite employers to want to read my CV.

During my time with an ES I have become more confident in my skills and ability to work. My motivation has grown knowing that there are roles out there for me and my mental health doesn’t have to be a barrier if my needs are communicated with the employer. I am curious to see what roles are out there and feel well equipped knowing that I have a model CV and cover letter specific to my experiences to go ahead and apply.

I would like to thank my ES, Rayhaan, for the thorough support he has given me despite the uncertainty of my plans for my immediate future. I have learnt a lot through the work we have done together and now know that wherever I go in the world, I now have the skills to find work all because of the dedicated guidance Rayhaan gave me during my referral to him.