“I became comfortable discussing physical and mental health concerns” – Chris’ Story
Groundwork’s Care to Work programme builds pathways into employment for care experienced young people aged 16-25 who are currently not in education, employment or training and have struggled to engage or stick with the existing education, training or employment support services that are available to them.
Background
When Chris was referred to our specialist Care Leavers Employment team, he was 16 years old and living with a foster family. Due to his circumstances, he was not able to complete his GCSEs and the team felt he would struggle in a formal education environment.
It’s evidenced that care leavers often have much poorer educational and employment outcomes than their peers, due to factors like childhood trauma, poor mental health and special educational needs. Negative experiences with school and employment puts care leavers at a higher risk of homelessness, alcohol and substance misuse, and being 5 times more likely to have a criminal record.
Home visits
The Care Leavers team work with young people on a 1-2-1 basis, and stay in contact via phone calls and text to maintain engagement outside of their sessions. Groundwork staff visited Chris on a regular basis at his foster home to determine what training or employment would best suit him. He was supported with gaining a Level 1 Health and Safety in the Construction Environment certification, as well as a CSCS for Operatives, which allowed us to apply for his CITB Green Card so he could access construction sites.
Additional Support
During these sessions, Chris became comfortable enough to disclose serious physical and mental health concerns. Working alongside the Leaving Care Team and other professional services, Groundwork arranged a GP appointment for him. He was also supported by staff in counselling sessions, where we worked on strategies to manage his anxiety and panic attacks.
Chris today
With this additional support, Chris was successful in gaining an apprenticeship contract with a local employer, where he is now working towards an apprenticeship in flooring.