Meet Steven

Working with Browns, Steven was able to get into paid work for one month, which has not only motivated him to continue pursuing retail work but boosted his confidence in obtaining full time permanent work. 

Steven is 33 years old and lives at home in Aylesbury with his sister and grandfather who he cares for. Steven is diagnosed with learning difficulties and has been unemployed for 5 and a half years. His main goals were to source part time employment and find his confidence in the workplace again.

The issues they were facing: 

When support started, Browns soon became aware that Steven was not in receipt of Universal Credit, (UC) and only claiming Personal Independence Payment, (PIP). This meant that there was a vast amount of financial instability within Steven’s home environment as his grandfather needed caring for and his sister was not in employment either.

Steven has been supported by other agencies in the past but they have not been able to support him fully through his journey to employment. They have either ended support too early, or it has not been tailored and specific enough for Steven’s needs. Steven was referred to Browns in September 2022 as he has been struggling to access support that understands him, does not discriminate, and can really understand his situation and needs. 

Steven was keen to source part-time work not only for some extra income but to get back into a routine. He was very isolated in his own home which was affecting his mental health.

Browns was able to help Steven with:

• Accessing the Thames Valley ETE Service.
• Applying for Universal Credit, which had to be done in-person so Browns were there to support Steven.
• Helping Steven to create his CV, Cover Letter and personal statement, written in the way he wanted.
• Support using job searching platforms, job applications and managing appointments. 
• Access and engage with Universal Credit.
• All steps supported by Rya and Victoria.
• Steven managed to obtain a temporary part-time contract.

Steven secured work and his confidence has grown

Steven was assigned a work coach who was updated with Steven’s situation. Steven is now in receipt of PIP and UC. On 15/12/22 he was offered a trial shift at a discount retail store which he was overjoyed about. He finished this role on 15/01/23 and is now actively seeking part-time permanent work where he hopes to progress to full time.

Steven’s confidence has improved immensely, and he is now much more excited for the future. His general happiness has developed positively, and this has impacted his grandfather and sister as well as the extra income has benefited all of them.

Without the support of Browns, Steven may not have sourced this temporary role and he might still be struggling with a lack of confidence and motivation.

“Support from Brown’s has instilled confidence and hope in Steven’s life, and we can see he is on an upwards trajectory.”