Darren Clark was referred to Skills4You by Whitehaven Job Centre to enable him to increase / support his social interactions, confidence and hopefully obtain employment. Darren lives alone and has his sister as his next of kin. He also has a very bad speech impediment which causes great stress and frustration to him.
Darren started at Skills4You in February 2023. He attended the Goodlives project, based at Westlakes Science Park. This a healthy food-growing programme providing therapeutic support for learners, many of whom have mental health issues. Darren has also completed a cookery course, as well as several online courses such as COSHH, Food Safety levels 1 & 2, Cleaning and CV techniques.
Darren is actively looking for work and has grown in confidence since starting at Skills4You. Staff have noticed is now willing to try new tasks. He is a hard worker, very reliable and flexible where work is concerned and is an active Team member, helping others when he can.
In addition to attending Skills4You, Darren is now volunteering for two local charities (British Heart Foundation in Workington and Barnardo’s in Whitehaven) in the Warehouse and assisting customers with their furniture. This is enabling him to increase confidence and social activities.
Darren has applied for several roles in the West Cumbrian area and is very grateful to the Partnership’s Employability Fund. Darren now has new clothing for job interviews and when he moves into work.
Darren modelling some of his new work wear!
Darren said: “I’m extremely grateful for the support I have been given. I’ve never had as many clothes to choose from!”
