Paul’s Story

Paul*, a young man with experience in the care system, came to St Giles facing significant challenges but showing remarkable resilience and potential. Residing in safe accommodation in South London, Paul was eager to find stable employment but needed support to overcome the barriers in his path.

Paul encountered multiple obstacles, including financial limitations, mental health struggles, and a lack of essential resources like a laptop, all of which made securing and maintaining employment difficult. Yet, we believed with the right support, Paul could excel in the workplace.

St Giles provided crucial assistance by covering his travel expenses to ensure he could attend job interviews and ultimately reach his workplace. Understanding the importance of wellbeing, we also helped Paul manage his mental health. Through our partnership with CommunityTechAid, we secured a laptop for Paul, enabling him to complete necessary online training and stay connected with potential employers.

Paul successfully interviewed for a catering/bar support role with Shack Events and is set to start soon. His journey is a testament to his perseverance and the power of collaborative support.

In addition to Paul’s success, this partnership has opened up wider opportunities. Shack Events now sees St Giles as a trusted source for future candidates. When they need additional staff for major events like those at Wembley, they reach out to us directly, ensuring more young people like Paul can access meaningful employment.

Paul’s story underscores the importance of tailored support in overcoming employment barriers. With the right resources and guidance, he is on the path to a brighter future. His success is not just a personal victory but a win for Shack Events, St Giles, and future candidates who will benefit from this growing partnership.

*Name changed