Annual Report 2019 | Economic Growth Stories

Economic growth is a high priority in Glasgow, evidenced through the Glasgow Economic Strategy, and called out as a theme in the Glasgow Community Plan. However ensuring all our citizens are able to benefit from the benefits that growth brings to the city is of equal priority.

The consultation on the Glasgow Community Plan called for action on creating more jobs and opportunities, supporting the links between education, skills and training, the need for employability programmes and apprenticeships. References were also made to support with start-up investments for Business and SMEs, tackling ill health and supporting businesses.

Here are some stories that show what has been happening in the city over the past 18 months and what progress there has been around creating jobs and increasing skills, education and training.

 

Story 1 - In Work Progression Pilot

Funded by the Department of Work and Pensions through the Glasgow City Region City Deal and Glasgow City Council, the In Work Progression (IWP) pilot offered bespoke support, through dedicated business advisors to care sector businesses with fewer than 250 employees. Specialist advice, as well as a range of interventions designed to help develop and grow their businesses was delivered, with the goal of increasing productivity and improving organisational performance.

For care sector staff, the IWP pilot focused on identifying their specific training and development needs. Each home was assisted to develop a tailored package of support which would help staff to increase earnings potential and progress in their career.

Many staff have since taken on additional responsibilities, putting to use the new skills and competencies gained. They have also shown an increase in levels of job satisfaction, which has boosted their well-being.

This innovative pilot has demonstrated clear signs of success. The care homes involved reported improvements in recruitment, retention and financial performance, as well as the potential for reinvesting business savings into the development of their workforce.

Development of care sector staff can be evidenced through their training successes (573 training opportunities were completed) and the number of staff increasing their earnings due to participating in the opportunities offered via the pilot.

Rosemary Jalloh, Manager of Ashgill Care Home said; "In Work Progression has made a huge difference to Ashgill and we wouldn't be where we are today without it. In six months we've gone from only 27 residents and high use of agency staff to being nearly full with little use of agency staff as our staff are much happier and see a future. My team benefited from a range of training, which developed skills in medication administration, staff supervision and taking charge of a unit which involves liaising with multi-disciplinary teams and relatives and which prompts a pay increases of a further £1 per hour. They now have greater knowledge and also more confidence to make changes within the home - so everyone benefits."

Katy Morrison, Management Consultant of Connect Three said; "It was a pleasure to be involved in delivering training support to the care homes involved in the IWP pilot. Staff who might previously have been tentative about gaining new proficiencies were fully supported, appreciating the difference their new skills could make to the people they care for".

Cllr Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of the Glasgow City Region City Deal Cabinet, said: "We want to ensure that the care sector has the required support to meet future challenges and that it continues to play a key role in the city's economic future. This pioneering Glasgow City Region City Deal project offers bespoke support that increases business strength, raises excellence and through access to training, develops care sector employees; offering opportunities to increase their earning potential. Giving practical support to care sector businesses and staff builds resilience which will ultimately be of value to the increasing number of people who will rely on the services it delivers in the years to come".

An example of inclusive growth, the IWP pilot was developed following consultation with care sector employers and a range of stakeholders.

http://www.glasgowcityregion.co.uk/article/9847/City-Deal-Project-Sees-Glasgow-Care-Homes-Achieve-Awards-Success

 

Story 2 - Care Academy

Last year saw the completion of In Work Progression - a two year pilot funded by Glasgow City Region City Deal and Glasgow City Council, with support from DWP; that provided specialist support to small and medium sized enterprises in the care sector as well as their employees.

Support included a budget for each care home to deliver a programme of non - mandatory training to upskill staff, as well as consultancy to assist business resilience and growth. The pilot's aim was to improve business resilience and performance in a highly competitive sector and to ensure employees have the support of additional skills and training required to progress in their careers.

The thinking behind In Work Progression (IWP) led the Wise Group to work in partnership with Glasgow City Council, the DWP and Oakminster Healthcare; to encourage young people into the care sector, specifically to fill vacancies arising when other employees progressed into supervisory roles.

The Wise Group's Work Academies assist 16 - 24 year olds with training and qualifications that enhance employment opportunities in their preferred work sector. These Work Academies are funded by CashBack for Communities, a Scottish Government programme which reinvests proceeds of crime monies back into young people. The Wise Group's Care Academy is an example of its type, offering skills and qualifications that are specifically sought after by care sector businesses. This collaboration also enabled the businesses involved to access Glasgow Guarantee funding to support the recruitment of individuals offered employment.

This year, four young people who had previously expressed an interest in the sector, successfully completed Care Academy training and a work placement, resulting in an offer of permanent employment in city care homes operated by Oakminster Care.

 

Story 3 - Barclays

In July 2018, the largest single inward investment in Glasgow's history was announced, when Barclays revealed their plans to locate one of three global data centres at Buchanan Wharf in Glasgow on the banks of the Clyde in Tradeston.

Scottish Enterprise and Glasgow City Council had worked for a considerable period of time - and in the face of national and international competition - to make sure this transformational project came to Glasgow, working with project partners such as Barclays and the developers, Drum Property Group.

Thousands of jobs, almost half which are what is considered to be 'high-value', will be created at the Buchanan Wharf campus with Barclays committing to make over 341 jobs available for disadvantaged workers or those with a disability.

The first phase of Buchanan Wharf will open in 2021, and when complete, the campus will be over one million square feet in size, providing space for up to 7,000 office workers. This development will play a key role in the regeneration of Tradeston, in turn creating more jobs and opportunities for our residents. 

When the announcement was made, Paul Compton, chief operating officer at Barclays, said: "The Glasgow campus, alongside others in New Jersey and Pune, India, is part of a global strategy to create world-class facilities for our functions, technology and operations teams. This new campus at Buchanan Wharf is a flagship project for the bank, which builds on Barclays' long history in Scotland and clearly demonstrates our commitment to supporting the UK economy."

Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, said: "This is fantastic news for Glasgow. This is the kind of investment that will create lots of jobs... and is likely to act as a magnet for other investment that will see the regeneration of a part of Glasgow that has long needed it. "I am particularly pleased that as part of this investment, Barclays has committed to employing local people who often face barriers into work, including those with disabilities and young people."

The council's Economic Development Division has recently put in place a team to engage with large-scale employment opportunities such as this - others include the relocation of the Scottish Social Security Agency in the City Centre - that are coming to Glasgow now and in the coming years to make sure that the people of the city are equipped to take advantage of these opportunities. 

The Maximising Employment Opportunities team makes contact with the organisations / businesses who are recruiting, offering the support of the council and develops a partnership approach with providers of employability support to maximise positive outcomes (permanent and temporary jobs, apprenticeships and training) for the people of Glasgow.

https://www.buchananwharf.com/

 

Story 4 - European Social Fund Employability Pipeline

The following stories show some of the work going on in the city to assist Glaswegians to improve their health, update their skills and be able to work and share the benefits of Glasgow's economic growth. This work is funded by the European Commission and the public and 3^rd Sector organisations across the city who are involved in delivering the projects.

1. Bridges Programmes- Main Barrier: Disadvantaged BME

SB, (pictured above, left) is a qualified doctor from Sudan, who was born in the UK and is a British citizen, therefore does not qualify for the refugee doctor's programme.

She achieved exceptionally high grades at school and was accepted to University to complete a degree in Medicine and Surgery, graduating in May 2000. From then, until a career break when her daughter was born in 2006, SB worked throughout the Middle East as a doctor, before returning to the UK in July 2018.

The barriers she faced were having career gaps, English was not her first language and she was a lone parent with childcare difficulties.

Through Migrant Help she heard about Bridges Programmes and registered in July 2018. When presenting at Bridges initially, she felt depressed, dejected and unsure of how she would proceed. A detailed action plan was completed, outlining the journey SB needed to make to work in her profession in the UK. This involved attending English classes, becoming a member of the PVG scheme, having her certificates verified and finding a work experience placement and/or voluntary work and passing clinical exams.

This commenced once her daughter was at school. Of great benefit to SB was that through this programme she was given a bus pass to enable her to attend class and work experience. She viewed this as a huge barrier overcome, which she could not have achieved without Bridges.

Participant Voice: "I can now see a light at the end of the tunnel. I have a goal to work towards and it does now not feel so daunting and with hard work I will achieve all. Now I have someone to ask questions and help me. I now attend IELTS classes 3 afternoons per week to help me reach the required level. All my teachers are lovely and helpful. Meeting other doctors, and lady doctors, has really improved my confidence. I get out now, where I didn't before. I have joined the library, I have made friends and I now know people with similar goals. We help each other when possible and have arranged a childcare group where we will look after each other's children when needed, to enable us to do a placement. My daughter is now in school; it is early days but she is settling in and making new friends and joining after school groups. She loves sports and goes to our local community centre to play badminton on Tuesdays. I now have a bus pass from Bridges, which allows me to get to college; without it I would struggle on benefits. I am very happy just now, life is good and getting better"

AC, Case Worker: "SB is motivated, focussed and determined. Her confidence is growing and she now is motivated to work through her action plan and achieve her goal of becoming a doctor here in the UK."

For SB the wider benefits of participating in the Project are that she now can achieve her goals with support, she is more positive and happy about her future for her and her daughter and is looking forward to making a positive contribution to the Scottish economy and living in Glasgow, which she now calls home.

2. Momentum - Bridging Service - Main Barrier: Health Condition

MA was referred to the Bridging Service in June 2017 by his GP, due to a number of health conditions. MA agreed that registering with the service would be extremely positive for his transition towards employment, as his anxiety was a prominent barrier affecting his ability to gain work. MA had been unemployed for 11 years, however had been undertaking an apprenticeship and working towards a qualification in joinery (boat building).

Due to his health conditions, a referral was made to the Bridging Service's Occupational Therapist to gain support with confidence building and anxiety management through a combination of one to one and group sessions.

During an Occupational Therapy (OT) assessment, MA stated that his social anxiety and depression had become a major problem after having been a victim of a violent attack 10 years previously. The OT made a referral to CAB for a benefits checkup and to gain support to apply for Personal Independence Payment. The OT asked MA to complete a COPM assessment (Canadian Occupational Performance Tool), which was scored and MA set himself some personal goals.

Following 2 more sessions, MA made significant progress. He immediately started to practice using breathing techniques on a daily basis and was able to apply them successfully in difficult situations. This rapidly improved his confidence in social situations and his ability to leave the house in general. MA re-connected with friends, joined the local church and started working out at the gym. Following a session looking at the cycle of depression and thinking styles, MA was able to identify that his mother's negative mindset and depression was a major influencing factor in his own depression. This resulted in him being able to chat to his mother and allowed them both to recognise the need to be more supportive of each other.

MA also completed the New Directions group which, with its emphasis on CBT and how to make behavioural and lifestyle changes, helped MA continue to make positive changes, especially in building confidence in social situations. At the end of the group the OT and MA met to evaluate progress and re-score his COPM goals. These had improved dramatically:

Change in performance 2.8 to 7.4 = +4.6

Change in satisfaction 1.6 to 8.2 = +6.6

During the time with the OT, MA completed his qualification in joinery (boat building). The Project staff worked alongside MA to update his CV, applied to get funding for a CSCS health and safety card, and set up a universal job match account. MA found an advert for a job as a bench hand joiner and his case worker encouraged him to send his CV to the employer along with a few pictures of some of his work from his apprenticeship. The employer was impressed that MA had sent pictures of his work along with his CV and invited him to attend a work trial, which he successfully passed and started a permanent full time job.

Participant Voice: "When I first came to Momentum, I was unemployed for 11 years. I was volunteering and had just completed a City and Guilds in boat building. The time with Sarah was great: she taught me a calming breathing exercise that I still use in my trying situations.  She also gave me plenty of encouragement in my job searches, which helped a lot. They helped me set up an account on the Government job search website and this was key in me getting the job I have now. It was the first job at the top of the list on my first job search on the website! I'm now established in the job, I have got my finances in order and there's talk of getting me trained up as the designated forklift driver soon."

3. ChoiceWorks - Main Barrier: Criminal Convictions

A is a 22 year old single male who was initially referred to ChoiceWorks in 2016, but at that time failed to engage after the initial registration process.

When A was re- referred to ChoiceWorks by his social worker In February 2017, due to his personal circumstances of offending (spanning a number of years and involving numerous offences such as public disorder, hate crime, vandalism, threats and road traffic), he appeared keen to engage and motivated to make a positive change to his life. He had failed to hold down a job for any reasonable length of time and was in receipt of state benefits. At worst he drank alcohol on a daily basis, however, had recently reduced this, as he recognised the significant role alcohol had played in his offending behaviour. He smoked cannabis on a daily basis and had previously been admitted to hospital with lung issues.

Choice Works staff had weekly one to one sessions with A, where his previous offending behaviour, self-confidence and substance abuse issues were focused on and there was a noticeable mind set change and his confidence level was more positive. In addition to this, he began to realise the negative impact his behaviour was having on his family, friends and the community where he resided.

As he progressed through his sessions, he became engaged with the employability team, who worked with him on producing a CV, practising his interview skills and preparing him for going back into employment. In April 2017, he found temporary employment where he undertook a number of in - house training courses and received relevant certificates.

On completion of his six month contract, A indicated he did not require any further support from Choiceworks.

In January 2018, A was contacted by his Case Worker. He had not found further employment and re-engaged. The employability team put him through a number of certificated training courses. Following some further vocational input, a number of interviews were arranged and he was successful in being appointed as an Environmental Operative with Glasgow City Council. In July 2018, the ChoiceWorks employability officer met with A. He was still in work and doing well. He had booked a holiday and was no longer involved in offending behaviour. A had recognised the difference his own attitude had made to his continued motivation and commitment to change his life around.

Participant Voice:"Prior to commencing ChoiceWorks, I lacked confidence and experienced low self-esteem and found it difficult to say anything positive about myself or recognise any good qualities that I may have had.

I did not fully understand the impact that my offending behaviour and alcohol consumption was having on me, family and the wider community. My erratic behaviour was also leading to friction and arguments with my father.

This time around I felt in a different headspace and more ready to commit and move on with my life. I was aware that the programme would provide me with an opportunity to address my behaviour, dependency issues and hopefully assist with a job opportunity. However, I had a fear of falling away from the programme as I had done previously.

The staff encouraged me and supported me throughout, even at times where I struggled with motivation. In addition to reflecting on my past negative behaviour, a big focus was placed on positive self-talk and situations where I had made a positive influence on other people's lives.

My confidence and commitment grew and I had an increased awareness of my behaviour and impact on others.

Having not worked for some time, I was very anxious about going back into employment, but the ChoiceWorks employability team supported me to build my confidence up and helped with finding a job.

ChoiceWorks staff contacted me again in January 2018 and as I was not working, I re-engaged. I have gained more qualifications and the staff were great at building up my confidence and arranged a number of job interviews for me. In April 2018, I got a job with the Council. The support and direction given to me throughout the course of the programme and the re -engagement by the ChoiceWorks team has been invaluable and turned my life around.

I am receiving positive encouragement from my dad, rather than the usual arguments we constantly had and have made him very proud of me."

4. GCIL Open Door Programme - Main Barrier: Disability

After leaving college, Amy (23) found herself as a young, disabled, unemployed person, struggling to find the right job and was referred to GCIL's Open Door programme. The focus of the Open Door programme is on helping disabled people with multiple barriers, offering paid work experience in a range of sectors and environments across Glasgow.

Amy attended three Life and Core Skills training sessions, focusing on personal development, increasing confidence and self-belief. After completing these, she attended five Job Search training sessions, covering CV preparation, completing application forms and interview techniques.

In July 2017, Amy attended an interview for an Open Door placement at a local Housing Association, securing the post and starting her placement as a Trainee Housing Administrator in the August.

GCIL successfully helped Amy to apply for additional grant funding to overcome her identified employment related barriers.

Through Access to Work, Amy applied for, and successfully received taxis to and from work, Assistive technology to provide speech output when using the computer, additional scanner software with speech output, and a Braille note enabling her to better support her colleagues. Four training sessions were also arranged. After a couple of months in the placement, it was clear Amy required some extra support. GCIL helped Amy identify and recruit a support worker, funded through Access to Work. GCIL was able to match this job to another disabled person on the Open Door Programme. Marie had been unemployed for many years as a result of being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour. Marie was able and willing to help Amy and was delighted to be economically active again with really meaningful activity in her life.

GCIL worked with Amy and her employer to create a flexible training plan and a continuous programme of support. As part of GCIL's ongoing support meetings, Amy's support worker, Marie, disclosed that she had unmet housing needs. She was living in a one bedroomed flat with her husband and adult son and was overcrowded. She had been waiting on a more accessible house to become available for over 6 years. GCIL was able to support Marie through its housing information and advice service to resolve her housing issues.

Participant Voice - "I really enjoyed my work placement. I am now very positive and excited about my future. I am more confident in my own abilities now that I have my Access to Work equipment in place. I will be confident telling any future employer that I have the right equipment and will be ready to start work from day one ....... I am very grateful for this opportunity"

Wider benefits of participating in the Project

• The skills, experience and equipment gained during the time on the placement, combined with a recent reference from a high profile organisation, will hopefully enable Amy to successfully move into another job.
• Increased awareness of Access to Work and the support it can offer.
• Broader economic analysis carried out by GCIL, taking a Social Return on Investment approach, showed that investing in disabled people's employment makes economic sense as well as addressing economic exclusion and inequality. GCIL estimates that, for every group of 10 Disabled People who gain and retain employment for a period of 20 years, society would receive a positive contribution of over £4m! (This takes into account both the welfare benefit savings and the positive contribution of income tax paid when in employment).

5. Glasgow Supported Employment Service (GSES) - Main Barrier: Learning Disability

B is a male aged 21, who was referred to the service by his social worker, due to having a learning disability and being a care leaver, having been in care most of his childhood and teenage years. He had no family support and no previous work experience.

Following an initial assessment, B seemed a suitable candidate for Project Search (PS); a full time work experience programme for young people with learning disabilities. The aim is to teach not only skills for the work place, but also the softer skills required for fitting in and getting on with colleagues. He began in August 2015.

B completed three, ten week work placements in June 2016. During his final rotation he applied for 30+ jobs and got invited for a number of interviews. Unfortunately he was unsuccessful, despite the job coaches working with employers to make reasonable adjustments through the recruitment and interview process. He had substantial training and support in terms of interview technique and practice.

When PS finished, B returned to working with a job coach 2 or 3 times a week and continued looking for work. The job coach engaged with employers regularly, selling B's specific skills and abilities. They also promoted the fact that B would undertake a work trial instead of an interview, to allow him to demonstrate his skills more effectively.

The job coach became aware of a possible vacancy as a kitchen porter with an employer who had previously employed clients of GSES. The employer agreed to a work trial instead of a traditional face to face interview. B performed particularly well and was offered a job, 22 months after his initial referral. He required job coaching and help with his benefits. The job coach provided coaching on site for several weeks, as well as delivering training on basic learning disability awareness to the rest of the kitchen staff.

B's confidence soared in his new working environment. He began working overtime and doing additional sous chef duties, taking on tasks which he had been reluctant to do in the past, even while at PS.

However, there were issues along the way, where the job coach had to provide additional support to B, the employer and the supported carer.

• There was a change of head chef at the establishment and the new chef didn't understand B's additional support needs. He was bullying B and other kitchen staff were upset. B's work and confidence deteriorated. The job coach went in again to coach B and provide some "subtle" support and direction to the new head chef.
• During this stressful period B's mood deteriorated at home. The supported carer felt threatened and called the social worker who spoke to the job coach. The job coach spent additional time with B, helping him understand how to deal with stress and appropriate behaviours.
• B required support to complete his annual working tax credit form

There has now been a further head chef change and things are settling down again. B is working additional shifts and enjoying work again. The employer is keen to continue to support B develop his skills and undertake additional duties.

This case study underlines the amount of support required to secure and keep a job. Getting the job was only half the story in this example. Keeping B in work has taken considerable input.

Participant Voice: "I always knew I wanted a job, but didn't really ever know what I wanted to do. Even through college I didn't know what I would be best or happiest doing.

I loved being at Project Search as it kept me busy every day, all day. I met good people and learned new skills. I wanted to work in a hospital. I applied for lots of jobs and got lots of interviews but still didn't get a job. It was hard watching all the rest of the group get a job before me.

Once I finished Project Search I kept getting more interviews, but still no job. Every time I got an interview I felt nervous and couldn't get all the words out.

My job coach told me about a work trial for a kitchen porter at a place quite near where I stay. I went along and did my best. When I was offered the job I couldn't believe it - it seemed too good to be true. The work trial meant I could show my skills without having an interview. It was better for me than an interview. .

Getting a job means a lot to me. I earn a wage and can buy my own stuff and pay for a gym membership. I'm saving up for my own flat now.

Since starting work I have learned lots and am now doing some chef duties as well as kitchen porter. I'd like to be a chef. It took me a long time to get a job. I am proud of myself."

6. Launchpad / Housing Employment Support - Main Barrier: Care Leaver

BS is an 18 year old female who, since the age of 5 has been in the care system.

BS was referred to Launchpad's 26-week Programme in June 2017, to support her pursuit of a career supporting young people who, like her, had experience of the care system. BS had not gained any practical work experience since leaving school at 16 and had no formal qualifications.

Whilst on the Launchpad Programme, BS was able to recognise that her lack of self-esteem and confidence were specific barriers to progressing. She also recognised her lack of academic qualifications was a barrier. She therefore commenced the Coreskills Service, resulting in achieving Maths, English and IT at National 4/5 and SQA Employability Award Level 4.

She was supported to undergo careers research and by week 8 of her programme (August 2018), BS's confidence and self-belief in her abilities improved greatly, and Launchpad began the process of sourcing a work placement in social care.

Launchpad secured a F/T work placement in a Day Care Centre for BS in August 2017 and she enjoyed all aspect of working with the elderly. Feedback from the employer was that BS had the right qualities, including empathy rarely seen in someone so young. BS changed career choice to working with the elderly. At Week 12 (September 2017), BS was successful in obtaining a full time Social Care Apprenticeship. At this point she formally left the Launchpad Programme, but continued to receive ongoing in-work support from Housing and Employment Support Service. This support included budgeting on a salary, assisting with travel and wage subsistence, understanding the realities of the working environment, overcoming new employee fears and any emotional support BS needed.

During the programme, BS was finding her accommodation in the Residential Children's Unit increasingly difficult. She was spending more time with others who were a negative influence, regarding the increase in her alcohol and cannabis consumption. With encouragement and services working together, BS was able to get herself back on track and continue with the Launchpad programme.

When she secured her Apprenticeship, BS decided she wanted her own independence and left her Residential Children's Unit to stay with friends. At this point, H.E.S. support was instrumental in securing supported accommodation in the Fire Station Project (housing support for young, vulnerable people who are at risk of becoming homeless, or who have been homeless in the past), which was crucial in ensuring that BS maintained her Apprenticeship at the same time.

To date, BS has been employed by Glasgow City Council as a Social Care Apprentice and will have completed her 1^st year in Aug 2018. BS can see her future aspirations as being achievable and of a standard she never thought would be for "someone in care".

All participants on the Launchpad programme complete Entry/Exit evaluations to ensure Launchpad/HES supports are current and meet the needs of the young people.

BS's journey in form of entry/ exit evaluation states:

Entry: hope to get some knowledge of apprenticeships

Exit: I'm actually working and have an apprenticeship

Entry: Score rating confidence personal development between 1-10 averaged 3-5

Exit: Score rating confidence, personal development between 1-10 averaged 8-9

Participant Voice: "I enjoyed PX2 the most, CV building the least, achieved my SQA Employability Award, PX2,Work Placement, Apprenticeship and got my self-esteem back, kept it real what I needed to do. My first impression of Launchpad was just another training programme, but it was brilliant because I was treated like an adult and trusted a lot. I worked hard on my development and can't believe how confident I am now in work placement. My first placement was rubbish, but Launchpad didn't hold it against me - they looked for a placement that was better and I'm now in a placement I love, I totally love it. Launchpad didn't just help with employment, they stuck by me all the way through moving from the Children's Unit into my own flat.

7. One Parent Families Scotland, Glasgow - Main Barrier: Lone Parent

CC is a single parent who is bringing up 2 children, with Social Work involvement, whilst in receipt of JSA. During initial assessment, it was clear that CC faced a number of barriers which were preventing her from reaching her goal of entering employment, including no recent work experience and a lack of up to date skills and qualifications. Through discussion and agreement, a number of in-house referrals were made to support CC to address the daily challenges she faced; managing her mental health, building confidence, self-esteem and sense of self-worth, reducing isolation, dealing with spiralling debt and applying for and receiving all of the benefits she was entitled to.

CC was encouraged to access the services and support from her G.P to help her to address her overwhelming feelings of depression and anxiety. OPFS supported CC to address her presenting issues through OPFS Crisis Support Services; fuel crisis grant, completion of social welfare fund application, food bank vouchers etc. CC attended her local OPFS Hub weekly, which supported her to reduce her sense of isolation and start to build her confidence through gaining information, Peer Support and building positive support networks. OPFS' Financial Inclusion Services provided information, help and advice, supporting CC to maximise her benefits entitlements, negotiate manageable debt arrangements and better manage her family finances.

Feeling much steadier in her everyday life, CC continued to attend regular one to one advice and guidance meetings which supported her to access training courses such as Scottish Mental Health First Aid, Careers Workshops and Volunteer Training. Her attendance and participation enabled CC to look to the future with optimism and feel more focused on the type of employment she would like to go into. OPFS supported CC to go through her PVG, complete her C.V, job search, prepare for interview and explore local childcare provision options.

CC now works 16 hours per week as a cook at a local care home for the elderly. With continued support and knowledge of the services that she can access as required, OPFS anticipate that CC will sustain employment. CC no longer receives Social Work interventions and is working with her G.P to reduce her medication for anxiety and depression.

Participant Voice: 'I can't believe that this is how my life is now! I was in such a dark place, everything just felt like chaos. I didn't know where to start, I just couldn't see a way out of the mess I was in. When I met with my project worker at OPFS, she helped me to look at everything in my life, in like, wee bits, instead of one big mess that I couldn't work out on my own. I'm on top of my bills, the kids are happy, things are better between me and my mum, she's being really good with helping with the weans. I'm saving! It's just a wee bit but it makes me feel like I've got something to look forward to in the future. Maybe a wee holiday!"

CC is more in control of her life; managing her family finances, receiving the correct entitlements, accessing local childcare provision and having better family relationships. Working with her G.P to reduce her medication has enabled CC to know that she is not on her own, that there are a number of services that she can access at any time to support her with her practical, emotional, financial, social and health issues, should she ever need to access them in the future.

CC is a good example of how a tailored package of holistic support can enable a single parent, who is struggling to manage, become more independent and proactive within her own life; becoming a positive role model to her children and supporting her family to reach their full potential.

8. Way Ahead Project - Main Barrier: Ex-Offender

S was signed up on the Way Ahead project under the conviction stream as he had recently served a prison sentence. He had self-referred into the service, as he felt that his convictions were holding him back and proving a barrier to returning to full time employment. He had worked quite regularly in the past, before a relationship breakdown and subsequent incident resulted in him falling into the criminal justice system. He was also lacking in confidence, didn't really believe in himself and was struggling with motivation to get out and about.

Soon after registration, S had sourced a possible job start with Amazon (whom he had worked with before). The only negative point was that this job was in the Amazon warehouse in Dunfermline. The Mentor and S had a long discussion around the positives and negatives of this. It was clear that S was motivated to work as he was willing to travel the 5 hour round trip in order to gain employment.

S then commenced work on a nightshift working pattern, working Thursday to Sunday 8pm to 7am. It soon became apparent however, that this was not sustainable as it meant he was out of the house for around 16 hours a day, due to the 5 hours travel involved. S requested assistance to explore other more suitable options, as the travelling involved was affecting his wellbeing. S was assisted to look at other employment opportunities and also what further training he could access to enhance his employment opportunities.

The project also assisted S to attend a confidence building course, which he felt would have a positive impact on his future motivation and wellbeing. Assistance was given to update his CV and upload it to relevant websites. After being assisted to apply for various positions, S received an email from Morrison's for a position as a Nightshift Replenishment Worker.

An interview was scheduled and the mentor met S prior to interview to go over techniques and interview skills. This helped to boost S's confidence and motivation and S updated that he felt fully focused and ready to attend the interview as a result of the mentoring provided. S was also assisted to research the employer, to ensure he had relevant knowledge to discuss at interview.

S was offered the position on a full time basis. Financial assistance was provided in relation to travel for the first month, to enable him to get to and from work until he received his first wage. This was a significant positive contributing factor and alleviated financial worries during this interim period.

Participant voice:"Way Ahead has been brilliant for me in many ways. They helped me to believe in myself again and gave me the confidence to go back out and work after a long time being unemployed. The support I got in-work was also great. I would never have been able to get to work without the financial support I was given. When I first moved into work my mentor kept in regular touch and when it became clear that I couldn't keep doing the job because of the travel, we managed to get something else really quickly. I can't thank Way Ahead enough really. I can now afford to do things I could never have done when I was on benefits. I really enjoy my job and now I can leave my past behind".

S continues to be in paid employment and is thoroughly enjoying it. He feels he is making a fair salary and is independent in relation to his finances. He currently receives very limited input from the project. S feels he is focused and driven to remain within employment, to develop his skills and learn each day.  

9. Way Ahead Project - Main Barrier: Addictions

When P engaged with the project in June 2017, he had a prolonged history of addiction, convictions and had never sustained employment. P's experimentation with drugs and alcohol started around the age of 12 years old. P's parents were involved in drug use and he was brought up by his grandparents. He had a difficult childhood, was shy at school and prone to violent outbursts. He was expelled from secondary schools and as a consequence did not attain any standard educational qualifications.

In his late teens he started using heroin. This continued throughout his early and mid- adult life. During this time he was also involved with the criminal justice system, mostly for petty crime. He had one serious conviction for a violent crime, although this is historical.

P then suffered a bereavement and combined with his drug use, experienced a mental health breakdown, resulting in severe anxiety and leading to social isolation.

P then engaged with an addiction service, from which he was referred onto the Way Ahead Project.

The Mentor engaged with P on a weekly basis, established a working relationship and set out collaborative action plans to increase wellbeing and employability activities. He completed a Mindset workshop, to help increase his mental wellbeing and enrolled on a part time psychology course with the Marie Trust. P also started volunteering with Fareshare, an organisation redistributing food to frontline charities. This provided P with structure and routine, developed new skills and gained experience of a working environment.

P's interest in employment was in social care, particularly addiction services, and an opportunity arose with Loretto Care's 'Routes into Care' programme. He was supported to apply, securing a place for 1 weeks' training and 2 weeks' work experience within a Loretto service, and upon completion, guaranteed an interview.

P was successful at interview and offered a Health and Wellbeing Assistant role, within a Loretto addiction support service and started work in December 2017. He now has a permanent full time contract.

The Mentor maintains contact with P and the service management have updated he has become a valued member of the team. P has been innovative within his role, supporting new residents, using his own personal experience to engage and support people who are affected by substance misuse, helping them settle into the service and also introducing social activities to support them in a new environment.

Participant Voice:"Before engaging on the project I never thought I would get a full time meaningful job. I thought I had no skills and had no confidence in myself to fulfil a role, particularly in supporting others. I feel l'm continuing to develop and I love supporting others and seeing progress and change in them. My life has completely changed. I can now manage my own finances after living on benefits for years and I have even started to save. My friends within my social network see a change in me and I encourage and support friends that are still in their recovery. My goal for a long time was to work; and without support from the Way Ahead project I would not have achieved this. Especially a job that I wanted, that is sustainable and I can continue to develop both personally and professionally. My whole outlook in life has changed and I feel I have a positive future ahead of me".

In conclusion, P's physical and mental wellbeing has significantly increased. He can now manage his finances independently and has made some home improvements. His relationships have improved, he has a wider social network and feels he is contributing and giving back.

10. Way Ahead Project - Main Barrier: Homelessness

M had no family or friends in this country, having lived in England for most of his life, so when his relationship broke down and his partner moved away, M had no choice but to move into a hostel. M had been registered homeless for about eight weeks when he joined Way Ahead, after staff at the hostel made a referral on his behalf.

Living in the hostel meant that M had to find somewhere to stay before he could realistically try to get a job, as he wouldn't have been able to afford the £345 per week rent charge at the hostel.

Aside from the homelessness, M felt one of the main barriers facing him was financial worry. He had been sent a tax bill for over £6,000 by HMRC and, besides having to pay this off, he wasn't sure how he would budget or how much he would need to earn to make it worthwhile taking up work.

M and his mentor produced a comprehensive budget planner and completed an 'entitledto' calculation, showing how much better off he could be in work. M's mentor also agreed to write a letter to HMRC on his behalf, regarding his tax bill.

During their initial meetings M told his mentor that he would like to work in the travel and tourism industry, which he had previously studied at college. They worked together to update M's CV and his mentor supported him with applications. When M started to receive invitations to interviews, his mentor carried out some mock interview training, ensuring that M felt more comfortable and confident at interview.

At this point HMRC came back to confirm that M's tax bill had been reduced to £1200, which was a potentially manageable amount once M was in work and earning money.

One of M's interviews was for a cabin crew job with Ryanair. M was over the moon when the agency called to say that he had been successful, as this was his dream job. The first six weeks involved training in Italy, before being based in a permanent location. M thought this would be Stansted, so his mentor started to assist him to look for accommodation in the Stansted area. In actual fact his base turned out to be Palma (Majorca) and M decided to share a flat with some of his new colleagues.

At this time HMRC got back in touch to advise that M no longer owed £1200, but they owed him just over £500 and they sent him a cheque. This was perfect timing and he was able to use this as his share of the deposit for the new flat.

Shortly after starting with Ryanair, M signed a three year contract. His Mentor continued to support him, albeit remotely, by assisting with getting his mail redirected and setting up a new bank account.

M still loves his job. He recently got married and has transferred back to Scotland, now based at Prestwick airport.

Participant Voice:"My time spent living on the streets was one of the worst times of my life. I was in a very difficult situation, nowhere to go and no one to turn to. I felt in complete despair and very alone. My days would be spent walking and walking around the city as my pride wouldn't allow me to be seen as homeless by passers-by. I would visit soup kitchens to give me a rest from the cold and some human interaction, and would also spend time at the local Mosque. The evenings I would stay at a night shelter which was a break from the cold. I really will never forget how cold it was and how bad it made me feel. In the mornings we had to leave by 10am, which I dreaded, as we were moved on with nowhere to go. How very long a day can feel when you have nowhere or no one; and so far away from my family and friends. After some time I moved to the Blue Triangle association, where I was put in accommodation and given an appointment with housing where I remember the lady having little compassion for my plight and I'll never forget how that made me feel.

It was at that time I was put in contact with Way Ahead and Alison, my mentor. Alison was very kind and I'll always be grateful for that. She helped me with lots of my concerns and problems I was experiencing. She helped me write my C.V and with applying for employment and preparing me for interviews. She was always there for support at any time I needed it. It was a dream of mine to work in Cruise liners or Aviation and we applied for jobs. I got invited to an interview with Ryanair and I was offered a position on a training course in Italy, which I decided to accept. I got the job in May last year and I was based on the beautiful island of Majorca until I met a beautiful girl, who became my wife and we just received a handsome boy who is only 26 days old today. I'm now living back in Scotland (Glasgow Prestwick) and really enjoying my job as cabin crew and I have a stable home and a family of my own. I really would like to thank Way Ahead for giving me support to follow my dreams and for showing me human kindness at the hardest time in my life."

11. Jobs and Business Glasgow - Work Life Glasgow

Darren met a JBG engagement officer whilst visiting his local housing association and was referred to the JBG employability team for support. When he registered with WLG, he had been unemployed for over a year, with no clear career direction. He was lacking in motivation/confidence and due to this, had isolated himself from friends and extended family and was unable to include himself in social events. This was causing a lot of anxiety for Darren and he was on medication with regular visits to his GP to try and overcome these issues.

Participant's Voice: "Before I started engaging with Jobs & Business Glasgow, I was suffering from anxiety and on medication for this. I was unsure of what direction I wanted my career to go and the longer I was unemployed the more I started to lack in motivation/confidence. I struggled with keeping in a healthy routine and was unsure of where to look for jobs. My confidence was at an all-time low and I didn't know where to start when completing application forms and updating my CV or writing cover letters to suit the jobs that I was applying for.

I began attending appointments weekly with my adviser. She helped me to look at creating an action plan to support me to work through the issues I felt were a barrier to gaining employment. It was great to feel someone cared and was willing to support me & keep me informed on job and training opportunities. Her advice on career direction was so helpful.

I began looking forward more to each day and found my confidence was returning and felt motivated to get back into work and my life!"

Participant's Progress: Darren's confidence was really low, he spoke of his social isolation and lack of motivation and how he was on medication for anxiety. An action plan was agreed to help overcome some of these barriers, in small steps. Amazingly Darren travelled over 1 mile each time he had an appointment. As he was on benefits, money was tight, so he walked to his appointments. At the time he did not realise how much this effort was helping him to overcome his isolation and get back to a healthier lifestyle.

Darren worked on his job searching skills and as he gained confidence, he started completing application forms.

As he was unsure of his career direction, different sectors were discussed whilst working together on his CV, to ensure he was heading in the direction that would be right for him, long term.

Darren was referred onto the Wheatley Group's Environmental Roots Programme. This meant travelling to the other side of the city every day for four weeks to attend training, which, once completed, led to a guaranteed interview.

In this time Darren also gained an emergency first aid qualification, and help on interview techniques, including some mock interviews.

The wonderful news is that Darren Is now employed FT on a year's contract as an environmental operative with Wheatley Group.

The difference in Darren is remarkable; he has gained a lot of confidence, motivation and self-worth since beginning employment and has more routine and structure in his life. His anxiety is at a low and he is no longer taking medication and thus has less trips to his GP/Mental Health support. He is no longer claiming Universal Credit, is earning a steady wage and worries less about finances. Darren has good working relationships with his colleagues and is out meeting new people. His relationships with friends and family are also much improved, due to his increased social interaction.