I had a serious car accident in 2000 and sustained a major head injury. After extensive rehabilitation and help to return to my previous job as a travel agent, in November 2003 I was told ‘we are terminating your employment’. I didn’t know what I would do or what I would be good at. I started getting depressed because of my head injury and my situation.

My social worker introduced me to Red2Green and I started volunteering, doing some office duties, when the Manager suggested doing some work tasters there. In July 2004, I started a work placement at Red2Green’s main office, working in an administration role. I started working 21 hours per week, as I hadn’t worked full time since my accident. I had very little confidence as I hadn’t really worked in an office before.

I was given the opportunity of starting an NVQ to give me qualifications in Administration. This was something I was keen on doing as I had no formal qualifications to show that I could do a good job. I started to increase my hours from 21 until I reached 35 hours a week. I have gained confidence and enjoy the work I am doing.

I was scared to start with because it was a job I’d never done before and somewhere that was unfamiliar to me, but I would have found these problems with a new job anyway. It was a good opportunity for me and one that has worked out in my case because at the end of my placement contract Red2Green employed me as their Receptionist/Administration Assistant.

I’m only too keen and excited about anyone considering joining similar projects. There is nothing like the satisfaction I get when I go to the cash point and I’m withdrawing money I have earned myself. I have built new friendships and I now feel more positive about myself and the abilities I have.

Projects like Advance can and do work, not only for me, but I have seen the work that takes place with others. Their confidence increases and that can have more of an impact than anyone really understands. You can’t give someone confidence but it can be helped with a non-threatening environment and the support to grow as an individual. My abilities are what are focused on and things that are difficult for me I’m given opportunity to try while being helped to Red 2 Green.

Advance for me is about taking people off their benefit and really helping to give them a direction, this helps them to stay off benefit and join the diverse labour market. There are opportunities for everyone somewhere and this project helps you find what you may be good at.

To read about Peter's experience, click here.