Andrew was a self-employed builder, who had been subcontracting long-term with a construction company. When the work dried up, he heard about us through Job Centre Plus. Andrew was unemployed and trying to live off limited benefits.

He applied for a job at a local college, teaching bricklaying and was successful. However, with a limited income he was struggling to get to work and to buy the work clothing he needed. He asked the Job Centre to help and his request was rejected.

We were able to provide Andrew with fuel vouchers for a month and buy him appropriate work clothes. This meant he could get to work and had the clothing he needed. He has now received his first month’s pay and can support himself going forward.

He told us that he is now in a much better position and could not have done this without our support.  He is enjoying his job and being able to support young men training for the trade that he loved. He is letting his students know about us so that they too know how to reach out for help if they need it. Andrew has said that in the future he would like to make a donation and  ‘pay forward’ the help that he received.