Marie lives in Thornaby, Stockton- on- Tees
She has five children and has worked hard to provide a secure, loving home for them all.
Marie has worked most of her life with short periods at home with her family, relying on grandparents for child care when she returned to work. She has experience in hospitality, production as a machine operator and customer service.
Marie continued to work as her children became independent; they are all adults now with their own homes and have their mother’s strong work ethic. Marie instilled this work ethic and encouraged them to be resourceful and ambitious.
Marie expected she would continue to work until she retired.However, due to the recession she was made redundant in 2011 and a although very disappointed, felt sure she would quickly secure a further post. However sadly this was not the case as Marie spent two years completing job search and applications but to no avail. She didn’t know where to turn to for help.
Marie explained her bubbly demeanour was diminished as the stress and the worry of increasing expenses and long term unemployment grew. Marie shared her fears with Emma Fox, Job Centre Adviser, who referred Marie to Five Lamps’ Family Wise Project which is funded by the European Social Fund.
Marie worked with Jane Simpson, Five Lamps Family Coach to create an action plan, tailored around her strengths, aspirations and the challenges she faced.
Jane provided intensive support to improve Marie’s progress through one to one holistic support. She also provided advice and guidance around the identified challenges Marie faced, including housing Issues, money management and the training she required to improve her employment progress. This included establishing an employability portfolio, health and safety, food hygiene and ICT programme.
Jane also referred Marie to Cool Blue training provider Nathan Pellow to complete employer led training.
Marie became proficient in job search and gaining skills in IT changed her style of application. She became competent in navigating around the Universal Job Match Site and sending CV’s and cover letters by email. She was determined and extremely disciplined, attending her training programmes.
Marie secured employer led current qualifications and this and her positive attitude have enabled her to progress and ultimately secure employment. She secured a permanent position with Bannatyne Health & Fitness as a Cleaning Operative and is delighted and thrilled to have her feeling of independence returned.
Marie expressed her thanks to Five Lamps and the family wise project. She is very grateful for all the support provided and explained
“I could not have done it without the encouragement and support of her Family Wise Coach and Tutors”
Family Wise is funded from the European Social Fund Support for Families with Multiple Problems contract. Delivered by Five Lamps across Stockton, Middlesbrough and Redcar & East Cleveland