Stability, confidence and connection through Jobs First: Lizzy’s story
Lizzy is one of Social Bite's amazing coffee shop employees. Since joining the team as part of the Jobs First programme, she’s gone from strength to strength. We caught up with Lizzy to hear about life at Social Bite and the impact of having a job.
A good opportunity at the right time
Lizzy’s job with Social Bite came not long after a difficult period. Lizzy was back at her mum’s after separating from her ex, who was abusive. But with several other relatives living at her mum’s house, it was too crowded for her to stay.
Lizzy was also going through a court case so that she could have her son for overnight stays. Before the court date, she needed to have her own place with a room for her son. And then there was the uncertainty about what flat she’d get – you have to accept the first place you’re offered, or you go back to the bottom of the waiting list.
“I didn’t feel like I had access to support before, not from friends or family, or from the council,” Lizzie reflects.
Around this time, Lizzy met Social Bite’s Development and Support Worker Ambreen. She suggested Lizzy go for a role with Social Bite, at one of our coffee shops. Ambreen helped with interviewing, including going with Lizzy to meet shop manager Alastair. After chatting with Alastair, Lizzy helped with the afternoon free food service.
“It was really good to be honest,” she recalls. “I was giving out food from behind the till, then I took over the till. I was pleased I could do that and interact with guests.”
Support throughout the programme
When Lizzy secured the job, Ambreen’s support didn’t stop. “She made sure my mental health was alright and supported me in the best way I could have asked for.”
Lizzy had accepted a flat offer, but when she moved in there was nothing in it – no furniture, crockery, or even carpets. She got herself a microwave and an air mattress, and her mum gave her some bedding. From making connections with counsellors to helping identify sofas and white goods, Ambreen was always in Lizzy’s corner.
“When I first met Lizzy, I could immediately see her potential,” Ambreen says. “She has such a positive attitude, and that really comes through in the way she approaches things. She’s hardworking, reliable, and genuinely committed to doing well.
“I’m told she’s never been late for work and is always early. I think that says a lot about her attitude and commitment. She takes pride in what she does and is someone who can be relied upon.”
In it together
The support – and sense of humour – of Lizzy’s manager, Alastair, has been important too. His understanding has helped Lizzy whether she’s felt overwhelmed by what’s happening in the shop, or if she needs some flexibility in her shifts so that she can see her son.
“If I need anything in the workplace, Alastair has been there to support me. I can be down about something and if Alastair is around, I know I won’t be down for long!”
Alastair is just as quick to champion Lizzy. “Lizzy's skills and confidence have grown massively through the Jobs First programme – there's been real personal growth, and she's formed some great relationships. It's been class seeing her go from the shy lassie at her interview to the self-assured and outspoken person she is now. She owes herself a lot of credit.”
Outside of work, Lizzy’s job means she can do more too – for herself and her son.
“My council tax plus WiFi, phone and electricity bills mean there’s no money left from Universal Credit. But now I can do things with my son, like give him a big birthday party.
“The support and income from Jobs First have made me feel a lot happier.”
Did you know?
Unemployment is disproportionately higher for people who have experienced homelessness. A stable job can help them leave homelessness behind for good.