“I’m going to keep working on my mental health and then look for employment” – Susan’s Story
Groundwork Greater Manchester are one of 8 organisations working with Salford CVS and Salford City council on the Elevate Salford programme. A programme funded by the Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation to support, train and prepare people furthest from the job market to pursue their dreams to gain skills and employment and improve their mental health.
Background
Susan was referred to Groundwork through Salford Foundation in May 2024. She had been struggling with her mental health and was attending therapy. Susan is autistic and struggles with changes to her daily routine and meeting new people, which has made it hard for her to find and sustain employment.
She expressed that she wanted to complete a Level 1 City & Guilds Heath and Safety in Construction qualification, and obtain a CITB CSCS Green Card, so the Groundwork team have been supporting Susan to overcome these barriers.
Groundwork also set Susan up with a Flick Learning account, where she can gain qualifications in Mental Health Awareness, Fire Safety and Asbestos Awareness in her own time.
Overcoming mental health barriers
Susan managed to travel to the CITB test centre and pass her exam all on her own, which was a great achievement. She has since been referred to FTW Training and has enrolled onto a Fork Lift Truck License course, where she’s meeting new people and gaining new skills.
Trainers from Susans FLT License course have stated “she attends punctually and is keen – always a great sign!”
Susan has said she wants to carry on working on her mental health and finish her training before looking for employment. But when she’s ready, she will attend employability sessions, and the team are looking to refer her to Groundworks new Green Pathfinders Programme – a 4 month work placement that equips people with the right skills and training to find work in the green sector.
Alison, who supports Susan with her mental health at Salford Foundation, says
Susan really does like it at Groundwork and is open to more training opportunities and wants to continue working with Groundwork.
*Name changed and stock photo used to keep identity anonymous
