Bailey (17 years old) came onto the More Positive Together programme at the start of July seeking support in finding part-time employment. She was studying at Blackburn College and wanted to gain some experience alongside earning some money.
After many phone calls and a 1:1 appointment at the Newground office, it became apparent that Bailey lacked confidence and suffered from anxiety. She wasn’t happy with the college course she was doing (Health & Social Care), which she enrolled onto to gain her English & Maths qualifications. Bailey didn’t attend mainstream school very often and didn’t take her exams. She felt she needed them to move forward.
Amjad, a member of the MPT support team from Newground, found her a part-time position as a waitress serving food but she said she would be too nervous and would probably drop the food.
When asked what she would like to do in an ideal world she said work with animals, the team then went onto support Bailey to apply for apprenticeships or work experience at Pets at Home. Newground also approached Calum, Health and Wellbeing Officer at Active Lancashire, to see if there were any links with MPT’s new Wellbeing Offer ‘My Place at Home’ through the Lancashire Wildlife Trust. This was to explore potential opportunities for Bailey to work with animals.
Andy Mather from Lancashire Wildlife Trust discussed therapeutic activities which would be great for helping with anxiety and connecting to nature and the environment. Andy then suggested that Myerscough College could be an option and put Newground in touch with Freda at Witton Park.
It couldn’t have been timed any better, Freda was very helpful and said that the course ‘Level 1 CG Diploma Land-based Studies’ (Animal Care) had only just started the day before, she thought there might be one space available and would let me know as soon as possible. She rang the next morning confirming the place and Bailey attended that day and signed up. Freda had mentioned that Bailey would need a work placement to run alongside the course. To help support this, Alison from Newround rang a number of local employers to arrange for Bailey's placement and managed to find a placement in a local pet shop.
Bailey had an interview and successfully secured a position at the pet shop and has commenced with her college course.
Feedback from Freda is that Bailey is a lovely girl, perfect for the course (class of 8 pupils) and she fits in well. Bailey said she absolutely loves it!
Thank you to all partners who have played a part in making this young girl very happy. Fantastic outcome.
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