Llanelli woman finds new direction with support from employment project

A 32 year old woman from Llanelli has found a new career direction thanks to the support of an EU-backed employment project.

Aisha Guard has transformed a voluntary position with a support service for homeless people into a paid job as a result of the assistance she received from South West Workways.

Looking for a change in direction in life after some bad decisions in the past, Aisha Guard had studied for an HND in Legal Studies and began volunteering at The Wallich, an organisation which provides accommodation and support services for homeless people in Wales.

However, after 18 months of voluntary work, she was no closer to gaining paid employment as she was unable to drive and had a criminal record counting against her.

Having met Workways at a women’s group in probation, Aisha was supported by the project to improve her CV, search for vacancies and access a paid temporary job with The Wallich. With a new source of income, Aisha was able to afford the driving lessons which she so desperately needed.

“Everything fell into place at the right time. The temporary job meant I could be paid to work at The Wallich and the extra cash allowed me to focus on getting my driving license. Driving was always going to be my barrier and Workways helped me to get over this,” said Aisha.

When Aisha passed her test and The Wallich secured new funding, it was a matter of course that she was offered permanent employment. Aisha is now based at Clos Sant Paul, a temporary residence for young homeless people, and also provides floating support for clients with tenancy, debt and budgeting issues.

“You’re facing new situations all the time. It’s rewarding work – even the smallest things are satisfying – like getting a youngster to keep an appointment with you. You can’t be unrealistic in your expectations. If people engage, it’s a start,” she said.

There have been other positives from Aisha’s new job.

“Financially we’re better off as a family. We were barely scraping by when I was on benefits,” she said.

“This isn’t just a job for me – it’s a career. There’s a lot of scope for me to progress.

“It’s really important for my children to see me working. I would never want to go back to being on benefits,” she added.

“Being able to drive has been a big help too. I can take my son to his kickboxing. I’m driving him to Bristol for a competition in a couple of weeks.”

South West Workways provides support to help people overcome the barriers which prevent them from finding work. Workways is backed by the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government. The project is led by Neath Port Talbot Council in collaboration with Bridgend, Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Swansea Councils.

For more information about Workways, call 01554 744322 or visit www.workways.co.uk