Volunteering helps Michelle to achieve her dreams

13th December, 2011

Michelle Brook, 36 from Thornaby had always dreamt of working within the Police force since she was a young girl. However, events in her life put her dream on hold. Both her parents passed away affecting her deeply and having the responsibility of bringing her child up as a lone parent, Michelle started to believe that her dream would be just that…a dream.

Michelle first came to Five Lamps through ‘Communities Fund’ in April 2010. Five Lamps run Communities Fund on behalf of Stockton Council to support people who are unemployed.

Andrea Bute, Five Lamps Intensive Support Worker, worked closely with Michelle to determine what she required and set short, medium and long term goals. It was established from her assessment that Michelle’s progression would take time and realistic goals and targets were agreed upon to help Michelle move that one step closer to achieving her life-long dream.

In August 2010 Michelle successfully completed an ICT course through Five Lamps and gained an accredited OCR Level 1 certificate developing valuable computer skills that are nationally recognised. This was Michelle’s first step to achieving her long-term goal and her confidence began to increase.

The next step was to go through the process of applying to Cleveland Police to work as a volunteer. Michelle had applied to be a volunteer with Cleveland Police several times in the past however, she had been unsuccessful.

Michelle was determined not to give up and continue applying. This involved completing application forms and attending interviews. Andrea supported Michelle through this application process and prepared her for the interviews.

In January 2011 Michelle heard back from Cleveland Police to attend an interview and has now secured a contract with them working as a ‘Customer Service Volunteer’.

Michelle said “With the help of Five Lamps and my determination to not give up I am finally living the dream and loving every minute of it”.

Michelle has successfully passed her six month probationary period with Cleveland Police and absolutely loves her role.

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