8 April 2022

Meet Darren

Darren Baines is 45 and lives in Walker.

“It was around this time last year that my housing officer referred me to the employability team for help getting back to work. Phil (Hodgson, Employability Officer) got in touch and met me at the City Library. Phil was someone to talk to – there was never any pressure and it was all at my pace. He took the time to get to know me and work out what kind of role would suit me best, not just by looking at my past jobs and qualifications, but by asking me where I wanted to be.

“Nothing is forced on you, Phil was just there for me and helped steer me in the right direction. He asked what kind of things I wanted to do, I’m good with my hands, quite practical, and he remembered that and gave me a ring to say there was something coming up he thought I’d be suited to. It was a job as a Production Operative at Palatine making beds and mattresses.

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“He talked me through filling in the application form and we did mock interviews. It was my first serious interview in 15 years. I was nervous but I felt really prepared, and to be told I’d got the job was just the best feeling. I love going to work, and I really want to push on and keep improving. I made a good impression at Palatine and have done some extra work as a delivery driver for NFS, I want to keep pushing on and get my HGV licence.

“Phil made a massive change to my life. I felt like I had someone really fighting my corner, someone who believed in me and thought I could do it. The whole team really, I can’t thank them enough. It was so much more than just checking my CV and telling me where to look for jobs. The team really got to know me, I could check in with Phil over the phone as often as I wanted and meet at the library if face-to-face was better.

“If anyone is reading this who is out of work and not sure where to go – I’d 110% say to them get in touch with the employability team. You might think you’ve tried every other avenue but these guys are here to help, they got me to where I am now. This time last year I’d never even heard of the employability team, I thought YHN was just the guys who come and repair your house. They’ve honestly changed my life.”

Darren received support through the Working Homes programme, which offers customers employability and wellbeing support, and helps to remove barriers and stumbling blocks (such as travel expenses, clothing etc) to getting a job. Darren was successful in getting his job at Palatine through the New Start scheme which is open to over 25 year olds. So far, New Start has created 68 jobs which is just fantastic!

If you’re looking for work or a change in career, we’re here to help. Call 07814 753088 or email employabilityteam@yhn.org.uk - we’d love to hear from you!