WHEN Philip Greer first heard about Shaw Trust he had been out of work for almost four years and there seemed few prospects for a man in his mid forties who is profoundly deaf.
Pauline Butler at Shaw Trust's Preston Job Broking centre thought differently.
"She was very helpful and supportive. I had the idea of getting my Class 1 HGV license to start working for a friend and she sorted all that out and got me funding to do it," said Philip, who passed a theory test but never managed to find a suitable driving job.
"She carried on being very helpful which meant a lot to me. She found me jobs to try for and in April I got a job fitting kitchens," said Philip.
Shaw Trust stepped in again paying a £200 job start grant and arranging a meeting with the local Disability Employment Adviser Ron Cooney, who arranged funding for essential tools Philip needed to begin work.
"I'm really liking this job because its interesting and varied. I get to see a new area, new house, new customer every week," he said.
Philip's introduction to Shaw Trust came through a job centre but up until then he had tried a variety of jobs.
He attended a college at 20 where he was trained as a joiner and worked for various companies as a wood machinist before starting his own painting and decorating business.
An 11 year stint followed at a primary school for deaf children in Preston, where he worked as a maintenance officer. When he was made redundant a difficult period followed where he became depressed and had problems with his marriage which then ended.
Philip's partner of four years Josephine Garside admits she has been shocked by the attitude of hearing people towards Philip.
"Sometimes I feel ashamed to be hearing. I think most hearing people are frightened of the deaf culture. I find them often rude and intolerant, they have no patience and are not prepared to listen.
"Philip uses his voice and can be understood if people just take the time and trouble. He lip reads really well but if people talk too fast its difficult. I am protective of him but if people turn to me to 'translate' what Phillip says I get cross. He is a very intelligent man from a hearing family of teachers and accountants. His deafness was through an accident at birth and but for that he is just like anybody else."
"I just feel very pleased that Shaw Trust were there to help and support him at a time when he needed that. He is now loving his work its given him a whole new lease of life," she added.
