*Suzy’s name has been changed to preserve anonymity
Tell us about your journey with the Step Up programme.
I was referred by my GP to come to Step Up for employment support − within the first few days, I got a volunteer receptionist role. In my time with the programme, I also learned how to succeed with interviews, CVs, and job applications.
Step Up also booked me onto an employment workshop at a college, and they provided great support to me when I was going through a difficult time [and was unemployed].
It was like having a blanket, a hope. I felt like I could get somewhere, but I didn’t know where that was. There were a few times when I felt hopeless, and all of a sudden everything changed.
You’ve completed 18 months at a paid, part-time apprenticeship at a nursery, so how do you reflect on 2024?
The last year has been a therapeutic process for me. 2024 taught me about working with children and it helped me leave a dark place [with where I was before Step Up]. This isn’t just any career for me; it’s something I want to do and it’s very rewarding. Even when I feel exhausted, it’s never in a bad way; I’m exhausted because I’m happy and I’ve done a great job.
How did you get the role at the nursery?
It wasn’t one of those serious interviews, even though I was expecting it to be like that. They [the interviewers] were supporting me, encouraging me at times when I had brain-freeze and felt I had nothing to say − it was like talking to a friend. I had so much support from Volunteer Centre Hackney on CVs and interviews – I think that contributed to me getting the job.
Tell us about some of the skills you’ve developed through taking part in the programme.
I developed time management, self-care skills and learned how to be independent. I decided that rather than relying on my GP or Volunteer Centre Hackney to take care of my mental health, I’d be independent and reflect on my own well-being. I decided to take care of small things like mental health, physical health and what I eat.
And how has Step Up increased your skills and confidence compared to when you started with the programme in 2023?
Genuinely, if it wasn’t for Volunteer Centre Hackney, I wouldn’t be where I am today. All the support I’ve got from Step Up has led me to this point. They didn’t just throw me on any job; they got to know me, and took care of my mental health. It was a very gentle process, never a rush.
You also volunteered as a receptionist with Citizens Advice Bureau when you were with Step Up. What was that like?
The volunteer work I did was very important because that led to me having a reference to get the job I have now. The main skill I learned at Citizens Advice Bureau was how to work under pressure.
As a receptionist I was first point of contact and had to sign in all customers. I also did paperwork, admin, and helped keep the place tidy.
When I was applying for the job with the nursery, once they learned I’d volunteered, that was just a plus.
How has Step Up influenced and improved your mental health?
It has helped me a lot; it’s just having hope and making it a reality. You find yourself creating better routines. When your suffering is gone you think, I love myself, let me just take care of myself, let me focus on my mindset.
Are there any highlights from your time with Step Up?
When I was at a workshop with Volunteer Centre Hackney, we had to make something called a vision board. We had to cut up magazines to make a board of images of what we want from employment.
I cut out photos of a woman in a suit, someone meditating, people living healthily… I remember at the time I wasn’t even thinking about anything [specific], but I could see a little bit of hope.
I still have the vision board in my bedroom; I found it again a few months ago and almost cried. I couldn’t believe it – I noticed everything I put on the board had become a reality. It’s just amazing.
What’s next for you?
This year, I would like to go to full-time [at the nursery]. Right now, I’m part-time and focusing on my mental health. Once my mental health is where I want it to be, then I’ll aim to go full-time.
How much need is there for services like Step Up in Hackney?
I think it’s very necessary, especially at the moment with the amount of mental health issues people might have. It’s nice to come to a place like this. It might take time [to get a job or achieve your goal] but in a way it’s still doing something; it’s giving you a purpose and that in itself is good enough.
Our Step Up programme helps people in Hackney improve their confidence and support their mental health through volunteering, and it also offers employment assistance and workshops. Discover more by clicking here.