Individual Spotlight: Marc
On Tuesday 25 June, students, employers, friends, families, Carers, EmployAbility and Surrey Choices enjoyed an afternoon of celebrations at Denbies Wine Estate, for the annual EmployAbility Making a Difference Awards. Amongst 16 of this years winners, was Matthew.
Matthew has worked with EmployAbility since 2005 and was in paid employment for a number of years. Due to difficult personal circumstances Matthew was required to leave his family home and job he loved. Matthew moved to a new area, where he built the courage and confidence to go out into the community and start volunteering. During this time, Matthew was allocated to a new Employment Specialist. Matthew began volunteering at Cancer Research and Salvation Army charity shops in Caterham, which he thoroughly enjoyed.
Matthew was always keen to gain paid employment and continued to work with his Employment Support Specialist to job search cleaning roles. After many months of determination, Matthew was in a privileged position to be offered two paid jobs. Matthew was offered a job position at East Surrey Hospital and de Stafford School as cleaner. Matthew was anxious about working in a school full of children and also travelling during school times but with a little support Matthew has overcome his fear and is able to travel independently. After careful consideration, Matthew made the decision to accept the offer at the de Stafford School on a one year fixed contract. His main duties include carrying out a range of cleaning activities including mopping, sweepting, dusting, emptying bins, cleaning and polishing. Matthew’s main area of responsibility is the schools art class rooms.
Matthew has settled in very well at the school and integrated well within the team. His manager has been very supportive and has nothing but praise for Matthew and his continuous hard work does not go unnoticed. His manager has commented about the excellent standard of cleaning Matthew delivery’s and there is a possibility of this contract to be extended.
Matthew has been nominated for Outstanding Achiever of the Year award at Surrey Choices Making a Difference Awards. Matthew will pick up his award during a ceremony to take place at the end of the June 2019. This award is a true reflection of Matthew’s outstanding hard work, dedication and courage to build a new life, integrate into a new community and obtain paid employment which has given his independence back.
The Surrey Choices EmployAbility service support people with disabilities or additional needs to find and sustain work. For further information on Surrey Choices EmployAbility team and how they could support you into work please contact 01483 806806 or email info@surreychoices.com.
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