We wanted to share this story with you about one of our members. He didn’t want to be identified, so we’ve called him David.

David’s Story

In August 2022, David attended one of our Talkback Advice Bureau (TAB) sessions. He was looking for work and had been referred to TAB by the Job Centre.

He had previously had several work placements as a volunteer administrator but due to the coronavirus pandemic these placements had stopped and, since then, he had struggled to find anything suitable.

Whilst attending the TAB sessions we found out more about David. He lived with his mum and felt quite isolated. Losing the work placements had dented his confidence and affected his motivation to find support and alternative employment. He had become withdrawn and was struggling with his mental health and wellbeing.

Having spoken to David during his TAB sessions, last October, we referred him to our employment programme.

We got to know David well as a person and he built some great relationships with Talkback staff and other TAB attendees. TAB supported David in considering his own needs regarding supporting his mum and liaised with a family member to help advocate for David’s wellbeing.

Whilst on our employment programme, he worked with a job coach who helped him to develop his CV. The job coach reached out to a local hospital in search of a work experience placement, which resulted in a number of positive meetings with the volunteer manager of the NHS trust.

As this was happening, David continued to attend TAB to discuss his progress. He was keen to share any developments in his applications and this helped to build his confidence even more.

In December 2022, David was offered a volunteering role as an administrator in a busy department. David was over the moon! The job coach helped David to apply for a DBS and David started his position in January 2023.

David still occasionally drops into TAB to say hi to the people who helped him and share any news. We love seeing him and he says he will return if he needs further support.

Through TABs support and that of our employment programme, David has:

• Achieved his aim of finding a robust volunteering role.
• Gained confidence and independence through the application and employment process.
• Increased confidence socially through meeting new people and building relationships with TAB attendees and Talkback staff.
• Found a great sense of being a part of something.
• Developed an enhanced identity and purpose in his role on placement.

We hope that by enhancing his confidence and motivation, David’s next step will be to seek paid employment in a similar position.

Our Talkback Advice Bureau runs every Monday (except Bank Holidays) at the Front Room Café in High Wycombe 2-4pm. Here we provide advice and support in accessing services in Bucks, feel free to drop in to see us.

We also run a Transition to Work Scheme for autistic people between 16-25 years old. Working with Citizens Advice Bucks this 10 week programme covers (amongst other things) support in finding a job, help in submitting applications, 1-1 coaching and, if successful, six months in-role support.