RESTART SCHEME HELPS GRANTHAM’S LOCAL BUSKER BACK INTO WORK

Many people in Grantham know Craig as their local busker, well-known for performing outside Boots chemist, he is a friendly face and a likeable character in the local scene. But Craig’s sunny disposition hides his recent struggles, his mental health challenges and his experiences of homelessness over the past few years. Craig is well-educated and studied at university, however it was around this time his life began to unravel. He spent time travelling around the country living in his tent, before eventually being placed in social justice charity, Nacro’s, housing scheme in Grantham.

Craig attended his first appointment with Jobs 22 in Grantham on the 27th September. Employment Coach Howie Davies recalls, “It was a pleasure meeting Craig, he was quiet and understandably nervous. His story was heart wrenching, I could tell how much he wanted to get his life on track and secure a job but he had been through so much and needed reassurance and motivation to get started. I felt confident we could make big leaps in confidence through small changes.”

Howie introduced Craig to Nigel Benjamin, Employment Services Consultant, who had a more in-depth conversation with Craig to find out more about his motivations, barriers and fears, so we could begin to build confidence and think about employment opportunities.

“Due to Craig’s living situation, he hadn’t had a haircut in some time. We took him to a local barbers where he received his first hair cut in many years, instantly you could see a huge change in his demeanour. We then arranged for him to register with a local employment agency that work closely with us at Jobs 22. Craig was a model jobseeker, he completed all the paperwork, and attended an interview session. We arranged a work assessment on his behalf where Craig passed all the elements required with flying colours. It was at this stage that Craig was offered a full time position at a local dairy, which he accepted.” Since Craig has returned to work, Jobs 22 have provided vital ongoing support including the necessary items and kit to start work, including a week’s pack up to support him during his first week in work.

Craig is now happily in his first week of work and he is excited to receive his first pay packet. Craig said “I really wanted to get back to work, but getting started was difficult and it’s hard to find a way in when you’re dealing with daily challenges that some people are lucky enough to never experience. If I hadn’t made that first step and attended the first appointment with Howie at Jobs 22, I wouldn’t have felt confident enough to return to work. I’m feeling more positive about the future now and I know if I have any questions or concerns I can speak with Howie or Nigel, I have people in my corner.”

“If I hadn’t made that first step and attended the first appointment with Howie at Jobs 22, I wouldn’t have felt confident enough to return to work. I’m feeling more positive about the future now.”

Craig Featherstone, Participant.