Nicole

WHAT SITUATION WERE YOU IN BEFORE YOU STARTED WITH US?

Before I enrolled, I was unemployed and claiming disability allowance through the Job Centre. I was struggling with low confidence after leaving my last job and had been diagnosed with a mental health condition. Finding it hard to leave the house, I was advised by the Job Centre to visit a range of support services, including Poplar HARCA.

At Poplar HARCA, Aledina, the Training Manager, advised me to look into courses that would help me with a career change.

WHAT SUPPORT DID YOU GET FROM US?

The Hive provided me with a safe space to work, and having that really helped me to leave home and get out. The team also assigned me to an employment advisor, Alex, who provided lots of support in improving my CV, completing job applications and getting voluntary positions.

WHERE ARE YOU NOW AND HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT IT?

I have achieved three qualifications; IAG, Awareness of Mental Health Problems and Employability Skills. I have also completed voluntary work for 6 months, done a placement in the NHS and even started volunteering with at The Hive. That has since moved into a part time position!

My confidence has improved greatly and I feel like I have refreshed my skills. I feel as if I am now well-equipped to help people, and I feel as if I have a purpose. I feel completely different now. The courses and the service made all the difference to me. The staff were so welcoming. Before, I didn’t trust anybody. But here I have learnt to trust that people are going to help me. I don’t think I would have gotten that anywhere else. Everyone was really nice, and this approach has made me able to engage with the service. I have lived here for 20 years, but I have never known support like this before.

If you’re interested in doing a course with us, you can contact us on:
Tel: 020 7510 9770
Email: Thehivetraining@poplarharca.co.uk

Our training is funded by the Mayor of London and the European Social Fund.