Mark's Story

Mark joined Aspire as a trainee in April 2014 and started working intensively with Aspire’s Employment and Development Worker Christine. Mark had overcome challenges related to his mental health and had been out of work for 10 years.

During his time at Aspire, Mark gained work experience on all of the enterprise projects and gradually began to build his confidence and skills. Mark completed his Health and Safety and Asbestos training, and also took courses in painting and decorating, gardening and First Aid. Aspire supported Mark through all of his training courses and helped him to get essential ID for employment.

Christine supported Mark to take on external placements with Pembroke College and after attending a Capita Employment Workshop he had the opportunity to do work experience with Land Securities. Mark was delighted to be offered full time employment in June 2016. He has been able to move from Simon House hostel into his own housing association flat, which he was able to furnish with help from Aspire.

“When I started at Aspire I was mentally and physically very low. Christine became my case worker. She was very good with me - she helped build my confidence and helped me get my own accommodation eventually. She got me a placement at Oxford Castle quarter, which led to me getting full time employment. Christine is good at what she does - at the time joining Aspire was the best thing that could have happened to me.”