Barry joined the SkillSET programme with Action Mental Health’s New Horizons service in Newry at the start of April 2023. The SkillSET programme is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Barry told us “I had had some voluntary work over the previous years and I had come to realise that I had a passion for Health & Social Care after completion of my City & Guilds NVQ Level 2 Certificate in Induction into Adult Social Care in Northern Ireland the previous year.
Through conversation with my keyworker I identified that I needed to improve my confidence for interviews, I then attended a self-esteem course which I found beneficial. In June 2023 as part of the SkillSET programme I began my OCNNI L1 Award in Employability skills. Here I learned about the various ways I can apply for jobs and how the labour market has changed. I then worked alongside Action Mental Health’s Employment Officer to complete my CV.
In July while completing a job search, I came across an advert for a job with a mental health organisation as a support worker. The job description really appealed to me and I felt like I could bring a lot to this position and personal experience. I discussed this with my tutor and I was supported to apply for the post and to complete some interview preparation.
In August, I was offered the post and I have accepted. I am two days into my new post and I am very proud of what I have achieved in this short period, thanks to my tutor and the opportunity through the SkillSET programme.”
