Staff at Shaw Trust's Preston centre are celebrating the successful return to work of their 1000th client since a powerful UK-wide back to work Job Broking programme was first launched.
Tony Gittins is the latest Preston job-seeker to benefit from the support of national employment charity Shaw Trust.
"They have been just excellent in offering me the help and support I needed to get me back into work," said Tony 49, whose life was shattered when he fell and broke both his wrists two years ago.
"No-one thinks something like this will happen to them and I know many more people have much worse debilitating illnesses but that accident really has dictated my life ever since," he revealed.
As a result of it Tony lost the challenging new management role he was due to take up. He was left barely able to leave the house, experienced depression and is still undergoing operations to regain the full use of his hands. Although some of his former skills, such as his a talent for painting have gone for good, with the help of the team at Shaw Trust Preston he has now been able to find full time employment again.
"I was referred to Shaw Trust and Pauline Butler in the Preston office has been marvellous, she sent me umpteen job vacancies, gave me help with interviews and CV writing and has offered lots of support," he said.
Now, two and a half years since his accident, Tony is happily settled in an administrative role with the Inland Revenue which has already been extended from a short term contract until September.
"I would always advise people to contact Shaw Trust, there is nothing to lose and absolutely everything to gain and if you are feeing down about the way your job search is going they always find some positive way to help you," he said.
Shaw Trust's Regional Employment Manager for the North Steve Dobson said; "We are delighted to see our 1000th Preston client happily settled in work and look forward to helping thousands more. All our teams are dedicated and highly professional and the Preston team has been helping clients in this area for the past two years.
"We can offer financial support to help people preparing for work, including a £200 Job Start grant on starting work. We can also offer advice on training, job search, benefits and tax credits. Basically we support clients every step of their way to a new life."
Shaw Trust's Job Broking programme, which has already helped thousands of people nationwide, has recently been extended and is expected to help another 45,000 people over the next two years. Job broking is part of the government's New Deal for Disabled People - a specialist provision, providing a return to work service for those currently in receipt of incapacity and related benefits.
The Trust has set up a freephone number for anyone who would like more information either employers or local people wanting to access the Job Broking service. Call: 0800 085 1001
Media enquiries to Josie Hoskins on 07779 317793.
