Gerard's Story*

Through listening and understanding, Gerard's Employment Advisor has helped him form goals and find opportunities in areas he's interested in. 

My name is Gerard and I have been diagnosed with a long term mental health condition, Bipolar. I live in London and am in my forties. I was practising as a barrister in the field of criminal law but had to give this up due to my condition.

I have been a client of Twining Enterprise for about 10 months. During this time my Employment Advisor has been Louise. Louise has assisted me by meeting me for one-to-one hour long sessions every two weeks during this time.

Louise helped me by listening to me and understanding my needs. She understood that I am a creative person and enjoy creative writing.

She encouraged me to apply for creative writing courses at the City Lit college. I hadn't even heard of the City Lit until Louise told me about it. Louise also helped me apply for voluntary jobs.

Over the last year Louise assisted me to make successful applications for voluntary work at the Southbank Centre, The Museum of London, Bishopsgate Institute and Islington Mind. She also introduced me to CapitalA, an organisation that brings people with mental health conditions together to visit museums and galleries.

My time with Twining Enterprise is coming to an end but I feel clearer about my direction in life now thanks to Louise's help.

From September 2013 I will be continuing with two voluntary jobs at the Bishopsgate Institute and Islington Mind. Also I have applied for a place on another creative writing course at the City Lit starting in September and am waiting to hear if I have been accepted.

*Due to the stigma attached to mental health, this client has chosen to withhold their real name and image.