A job start for Mark after being forced onto the streets at Christmas. “I will never be able to re-pay the kindness to them”
Mark had been struggling to find any employment since 2009 and had come to Shaw Trust in the hope that the organisation could help him secure employment and overcome barriers. Recently, he had been residing in a B&B as it had intended to be a temporary measure, however with the impact of the COVID everything changed. At the start of the programme Mark had managed to secure some accommodation which he would be able to move into at the early part of 2021. However, just prior to Christmas he was forced onto the streets.
His support manager, Rollo, received a text message and immediately called Mark to discuss the news. Upon hearing that he would be sleeping in his car that day (Christmas Eve) he got in touch with his manager, who was on annual leave, to discuss what could be done given the freezing conditions and unfortunate circumstances.
Within minutes the authorisation was given to secure temporary accommodation at a hotel and the room was booked.
Mark said, “Shaw Trust are like people who you would not believe existed. I am 54 and I’m lost for words – the help they are and have given me is beyond any help I would expect. I will never be able to pay the kindness to them. If I live until I’m 100 it would feel like I have not done enough to pay back. Thank you so much!
My daughters were in tears when I told them what Rollo and Shaw Trust have done for me and as a result of this gratitude I will be leaving a donation to them when I am 55 and get my pension.”
Mark wants to donate £2,000 to Shaw Trust when he gets his pension later this year so that we can help someone else like we have helped him.
Mark started 2021 with a new job and now has the means to support himself, moving forward.
Rollo has said “Having been unemployed myself before I understand what it means to receive some support and being able to do that is very rewarding. Every person is an individual, with issues that affect them in different ways.”
To find out more about the services we offer, please visit www.shaw-trust.org.uk.