Work Placement Opportunity Turns a Life Around - Long Term
20th March 2009
James had been homeless for 4 years and in temporary accommodation before coming on the Business Action on Homelessness placement. He has learning difficulties and became homeless when his parents died and he was evicted. He had been sleeping rough under Brighton Pier for most of that time.
James was placed at ASDA in Hollingbury in April 2005 and gained employment straight away. He still works there today. He's looking to continue training and learning in the job, and says that since he's been working "it's all changed… When I was on the street people looked at me differently." He is planning for the future, and is engaged to his girlfriend - "I've got her dad's blessing – he treats me as a son-in-law already. I never thought I'd get married – and look at me now!" James also currently volunteers at Oxfam on his days off.
He plans to move out of temporary housing, and marry his fiancée. His advice to people now homeless is, "Come along [to BAOH], meet the people, get to know them. If you're unemployed and want to get back to work, then this is the place to do it."
If you would like to offer someone a work placement opportunity in your business please email Bunty Dann, Director BAOH or call 01273 722593 to find out more about it.
