A County Durham man is celebrating after securing a job thanks to a project that aims to get people back into work.
Darren Storey, aged 46, received help from Durham County Council’s Employability Mentoring Project, which helped him develop the skills needed to stand out on the job market.
Now, following six months of unemployment, he has secured a role as a cleaning supervisor at Brandon Lane Surgery after the scheme helped him with his CV, job search and training support.
“I’d been trying to get back in to work for months and needed help with certain things and I was getting really frustrated as I felt that every door just got slammed in my face,” he said.
“There was no help available and it was getting me down but I was then put in touch with Alison Shann, a mentoring officer at Durham County Council. I couldn’t believe how things changed for me.
“Everything she promised to help me with was done quickly and professionally, including helping with the funding to do my SIA security course. I have a three-year-old daughter and my partner and I are so grateful for this help and appreciate everything that has been done.”
Funded by a range of partners including the local Area Action Partnerships (AAP), people living in East Durham, Chester-le-Street, Mid Durham, Teesdale, Bishop Auckland and Shildon areas can all benefit from the project.
Individuals can benefit from one-to-one support helping with CV writing, interview preparation and advice on setting up a business.
Help with applications for funding for training courses and working with local employers to find jobs is also available as part of the offer.
Cllr Carl Marshall, Cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “The Employability Mentoring Project has helped 150 people like Darren get back into work since last September.
“Projects like this really make a big difference to people’s lives and we would encourage anyone who needs any extra advice to speak to the team about what can be done.”
For more information call the Employability Project team on 03000 262 383.