Pathways

Alvin Decomarmond's Story

TORQUAY MAN WITH LONG TERM ARTHRITIS FINDS WORK THROUGH REVOLUTIONARY PATHWAYS PROGRAMME


"I'm not the kind of person to claim benefits - I'd always rather work. So I found the situation very frustrating. "




Despite his youthful age, 29-year-old Alvin Decomarmond had been suffering from arthritis for over a year. Forced out of his old job by crippling pain, he was struggling to find new employment - until he embarked on A4e Pathways to Work - a revolutionary programme in Devon and Cornwall, delivered by A4e on behalf of the Department of Work and Pensions.

Alvin has now been at work for 5 months and is enjoying his new job as bar/kitchen superviser, at the Hog's Head in Exeter:

" I loved my old job but the pain got so bad I couldn't even walk, never mind imagine going to work. I was a barman at the time - the perfect job for me because I am a very sociable person and I enjoy meeting new people. I handed in my resignation after taking sick leave when I realised that I just wasn't going to make it back into work. "

Before going to the A4e Pathways office in Torquay, I had been out of work for over a year and I was getting very depressed and bored. It drives you mad being out of work. I'm not the kind of person to claim benefits - I'd always rather work. So I found the situation very frustrating.

I went down the Jobcentre thinking I could perhaps find something in IT that might mean I wasn't so much on my feet all day as I couldn't see how I could go back to the job I loved. They introduced me to someone from the A4e Pathways office and I made an appointment and I met A4e Pathways Personal Adviser Kat Down. She's been like my saviour and is an absolute legend. Thanks to all her positive and practical support, when I got a call from the Laurel Pub Company about a possible job in their Exeter pub, I felt that I could take up the opportunity.

Kat helped me to revamp my CV, highlighting my social and communication skills on it and keeping the momentum going by us working as a team to contact several potential employers. A4e Pathways also helped me financially with travelling to the interview and they offered to help me buy new clothes for work. I understand that I can also claim £40 a week whilst in my new job.

The arthritis is controlled now but if I am on feet for a long time I can be in a lot of pain. But I'd advise anyone with arthritis to keep moving and to keep your muscles working - this job allows me to do that and in a way that connects me back with the world. I still speak with Kat with regularly and I know we will remain in contact for many years to come. Everyone needs a bit of Kat in their life!'

A4e Pathways Personal Advisor Katrina Down who supported Alvin back into a job said:

" Alvin had suffered from arthritis for a prolonged period of time. He was struggling with gaining employment due to this and he also had to cope with the detrimental effect it had on his self-esteem. In addition, Alvin had several gaps in his CV due to ill health and travelling which he found difficult to explain and he felt that it was adversely affecting his employability options. We helped Alvin to write his CV, enabled him to promote his time abroad positively to potential employers by emphasising his ability to embrace cultural diversity and a willingness to learn. "

Alvin was worried that his openness surrounding his health condition would hinder his ability to gain successful employment. We gently challenged his perception and made Alvin realise that he could discuss this positively with a prospective employer. We worked on self-esteem and interview techniques to increase his confidence and we searched for jobs that were relevant to Alvin's experience and that he would he happy to do in the future. We are very proud that Alvin gained the job of bar/kitchen superviser at Hog's Head in Exeter.'

District Manager for Devon and Cornwall Steve Hart said:

" I am absolutely delighted for Alvin. It is great that with the help of his Employment Coach Katrina he can make the first steps back into the world of work. As part of our In Work support, we will be right beside Alvin to ensure that this becomes a long term position for him. "

A4e Pathways to Work offers up to 52 weeks of In Work Support and we offer up to £40 a week for up to a year in addition to their salary for those who return to work. It is always heartening to hear of people like Alvin who set an excellent example to anyone else wishing to overcome a health condition to return to work.'

Need a hand? contact us

Did you know? If you find work and earn less than £15,000 a year, you'll receive an extra £40 a week paid by Job Centre Plus, on top of your wages for a whole year.

Contact us