Before being supported by The Benjamin Foundation, Dan* aged 25 described himself as “being in limbo” not knowing where to go next and just bouncing between little bits of agency work with no real sense of direction.
Dan felt this was causing his mental health to suffer. He says he felt anxious about his future and lacked confidence that he would be able to fulfil his potential and find a career path he really felt passionate about.
After some difficult times, Dan came into contact with The Benjamin Foundation Tenancy Support team in order to try and find suitable and settled accommodation. This initial contact with The Benjamin Foundation then led to being signposted to our Job Coach Joe.
Joe and Dan met and started to explore options of what support could be offered to help Dan with moving in the right direction. After an initial meeting, Joe helped Dan with his CV in preparation for job applications, and also helped with a pending application for the Open University.
Along with a planned course at Open University, Dan was looking to work to support himself financially. With the help of a bursary from End Youth Homelessness, The Benjamin Foundation were able to help fund an Emergency First Aid at Work qualification – which Dan has since used to secure a role at a gym as an Instructor.
With things now looking much more positive for Dan, he feels confident he can see a future within the sport industry.
“I feel motivated to do well and become a qualified Personal Trainer, and hope to one day be able to start a business of my own. Without the help of the Job Coach and Tenancy Support team, I would not have made the steps that I have and be in the position I am now in.” Dan says.
Dan continues to work with the Tenancy Support team, and still maintains contact with the Job Coach to ensure he is supported during his studies and work. The Job Coach has since granted a second bursary for Dan, which helped him to purchase a laptop, printer and other useful equipment through a grant for his course.
Dan expressed his gratitude to everyone who has helped him within The Benjamin Foundation and End Youth Homelessness. He was very thankful at the financial support he has also received which has helped him to continue progressing with his work, education and finding a career path he is passionate about.
Dan is currently halfway through his first year of his Open University course, and continues to work in a gym as an instructor, which he says he really enjoys.
*Name has been changed
Each year we help over 2,000 people in Norfolk and Suffolk who are going through tough times
