My name is Elias, and this is how I found work through Richmond AID. I first heard about Richmond AID when a member of staff from Crossroads told my Dad about Richmond AID and said that they could support me in a number of ways. On my first visit to Richmond AID I met Rianne and we talked about helping provide reception cover at the Disability Action & Advice Centre in Teddington where they are based. At first I was very nervous and was unsure; but I was supported & trained by Andy on reception and over time I grew more confident dealing with customers face to face.
The Operations Manager, Alex then helped me to take up the opportunity to study at Richmond AID for an NVQ Level 2 in Business & Administration. I am glad to say that with the support of the Richmond AID team I successfully completed my NVQ! I also got some great advice from Employment manager Jamie; I was working as a Travel Buddy but having trouble with my back and all the walking. He encouraged me not to simply resign and supported me through the whole (redundancy) process with the employer. I then started attending the job club that Jamie runs every Tuesday afternoon. I must say it’s the best job club because you get to see a Disability Advisor from Jobcentre Plus and Jamie and the staff provide excellent advice and support. They helped me to improve my CV and with job searching and applying for jobs.
At the start of 2012 Jamie told me about the possibility of a work placement with local company Notonthehighstreet.com and encouraged me to put my CV forward. The team at job club helped me prepare and following an interview with the co-founder and HR Director I was offered a 3 month work placement at Notonthehighstreet.com, beginning at the end of May 2012.
Everything is currently going very well. Richmond AID have helped me get advice when I have needed it, whether it’s about benefits, support searching & applying for jobs and also advice whilst in employment. I would like to thank Jamie and the Richmond AID team and everyone that has supported me. More about my time at Notonthehighstreet.com soon. Watch this space!