TCV Swindon helps Matt to beat depression and get back to work.
In 2011 Matt had been laid off from his job as a Warehouse Operative, this was due to cutbacks as a result of the tough economic climate at the time. He didn’t realise at the time but losing his job led to a breakdown in personal relationships, financial hardship and ultimately he became depressed.
On the recommendation of his doctor Matt was signed off from working and placed on ESA and was referred to the Work Programme with TCV.
Matt worked with his National Careers Service Advisor to rebuild and improve his CV and he also received interview training too. He tells us that these appointments and regular contact with his Work Programme Advisor helped him to start believing again, this was when he started to feel his confidence coming back.
TCV’s Employer Engagement team instantly arranged a short term temporary warehouse position for Matt and whilst he was working in the temporary role they also lined up a permanent Catering Assistant role with another partner employer too.
Matt says that “Overall the support received from TCV has been life changing for me. I’ve struggled for over 2 years with depression and in such a short period of time TCV have helped me to get two different jobs.”
He plans are to save up and move into a nice new home, a car and then to go on holiday. He tells us that “Goals are so much easier to achieve when you are working.”
Matt’s message to others with disabilities or health problems is “Keep your chin up, keep on hitting back and never give in!”
