5 Minutes With…
Photos by Pete Bresser, Bresserphotos
COMMUNITY
Will Ely
Bromley Mencap’s Education and Employment Service provides training and support for disabled people to secure paid employment opportunities. Will Ely, who works at Bromley Football Club (BFC), is just one of many people the charity has helped. We sat down with Will to chat about his role and career aspirations and the people who’ve helped him along the way… Will, congratulations on the job! How did you become involved in working at BFC? It was through an employment service at Bromley Mencap which runs a job club. It’s run by Ian and Sharon and the aim is to get disabled people into employment, so I took this option. I’ve been with Bromley Mencap for a while and I’ve known Ian for a long time. He looks out for me.
So what exactly is your job and what are you responsible for? My role is Breakfast Meeting Host and I’m responsible for cleaning the tables, washing up, making sure the cutlery is polished and tables are laid for the next day. I also meet and greet Bromley Business Network members.
What days and hours do you work? What time do you get up? I work every Thursday and every other Wednesday. I get up around 5am. I love getting up early before the sunrise.
What do you love about your job? I get to meet new people and I enjoy seeing my colleagues. I like to make the most of my time and of course earning, spending and saving money.
If you were the boss, what would you change? I would have a suggestion box for staff to suggest new ideas into the club.
Do you have any stories of your time here? On Boxing Day, I got a surprise as I went to watch a game at the club and I was chosen to select the ‘Man of the Match’ on behalf of Bromley Business Network.
What are your aspirations? I’d like to try different areas of hospitality and maybe even work on cruise ships. I also want to one day own my own fitness centre and long-term, I would love to be an actor. Will with Ben from Bromley Football Club
Will Ely
I’m going to get myself out there and talk to people about getting into films.
When you aren’t working, what do you like to do with your time? I like keeping myself fit, meeting my friends and socialising. I play for a football club and I also belong to a boxing club.
Do you think a good sense of community is important? It is so important. It is all about networking and making connections and friends. It is important for people to be aware of people with disabilities too and to offer opportunities for us.
What do you love about living in the borough? I love that everything is on my doorstep in Bromley. I am also close to my job and my friends, which is very important. “Will has a wicked sense of humour and turns up smiling even at 6.30am. He’s a great asset to the club’s catering team.” Chas Jordan, Bromley Business Network
“Will has been a welcome addition to the team at Bromley FC. He works hard and completes his tasks to a high standard. Will is always happy and greets all guests and clients with a massive smile. When Bromley Mencap suggested Will it seemed like a natural fit – and he’s a massive football fan too. Ian ensured that there was a smooth transition integrating Will when he first started and that's a really positive thing.” Ben Hayward, Bromley Football Club
“Will is a brilliant ambassador for people with disabilities. He has shown that everything and anything is achievable with the right support and he has opened the door for other people with disabilities to come into employment. There’s many opportunities at the football club and the relationship that we’ve worked up with them is all thanks to Will. Hopefully we’ll be able to inspire other people to take that leap of faith to find employment.” Ian Breslin, Bromley Mencap
Bromley Mencap encourages potential employers to get in touch so that suitable employees can be matched with job vacancies, and the charity offers ongoing support when it’s needed. For more information see www.bromleymencap.org.uk or call 020 8466 0790.
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April 2022 Life in... BROMLEY 27
