FIRST CHOICE HOMES OLDHAM
Success story from Directions Employment service A 30-year-old mum has inspired her children to believe they can achieve a bright future thanks to starting work for the first time.
Netty Southward was a customer of the Directions employment service at First Choice Homes and has successfully gained employment. Here is her story. Netty has been a foster carer and a full-time mum to her three children, aged 16, 12 and 9 since leaving school. The club which she helped form was created by the community for the community, with support from the BGreen scheme. Netty helped to form and volunteered with a breakfast club for families. Following this, Netty started being supported by our Directions employment service, as although she wanted to look for employment, she was very nervous because she had never had a job before. In just six months the Directions team helped Netty gain qualifications in health and social care and food hygiene; as well as developing skills in CV writing and interview techniques. Since being supported by the team Netty has been successful in getting a job with us at First Choice Homes. Netty loves working as an Environmental Operative – a role she started in September 2017. Netty said: “I decided to do something because I was feeling down and tired of my life as it was. It was great to tell my kids I had a job; they could see a light, radiance and happiness in me. My eldest daughter is doing her GCSEs and wants to be a veterinary nurse and has said she wants to be like me. They can see I’m proud of myself and they’re proud of me too because they can see I’ve gone out and found something I really want to do and enjoy. I feel I’ve changed their perceptions of what it’s possible to achieve. I started at the bottom and come out on top. “Since getting this job, I feel I have a real purpose in life. I love the job and the people I 9 9