Finding direction in life!

Following university Max was struggling with his next steps in life and felt inadequate because he had not had a job before.  Despite struggling with depression and feeling isolated, he reached out and found Twining Enterprise and his Employment Specialist, Enia.  Speaking to Enia helped Max to feel more optimistic and he completed Twining’s ‘Steps Into Work’ employability training programme… from there Max has found his confidence and direction in life again… here Max tells us his story in his own words…

After graduating from University, I felt that I had no direction, and I wasn’t sure with how to move on to the next step of my life. I was depressed and not sleeping well, I had also stopped talking to my friends, so most days I was alone in my bedroom.  As a trans man I have dealt with depression and suicidal ideation since I was young teenager, but I found it harder to manage without a goal to focus on.

After completing a cognitive behavioural therapy course, I was referred to Twining Enterprise and I was contacted late December 2021. I felt apprehensive at first because I hadn’t had a job before, and I felt inadequate because of it. I was unsure how to confront interviews, CVs and cover letters, as well as organising my portfolio, so as a result I felt overwhelmed.

After my first my call with my Employment Specialist Enia I felt more optimistic because of how positive she was.  From there I took part in the ‘Steps into Work’ programme which I found helpful as it gave me techniques of how to approach interviews and CVs, but I also found it helpful to talk to other people in similar situations.

Enia was incredibly encouraging throughout the whole process and would give great constructive feedback and I feel more confident in my skills because of her.

I just finished working as an exam invigilator and I’m currently job hunting for a permanent position in my industry of choice.  I feel that I have options and that I’m capable enough to act on them.

Please note - This charitable project is funded by the European Social Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund.