My name is Johan*. I got involved with the Ferry Project through the Building Better Opportunities project we undertook alongside the National Lottery, which sought to tackle poverty and promote social inclusion.

I was desperately seeking a job and accommodation of my own. Unfortunately, the odds were stacked against me. My barriers included:
●    Living with my foster parents in a very rural home with limited public transport
●    No previous work experience
●    An out-of-date CV
●    Mental health struggles

I soon found myself at the Ferry Project, hoping that they could help me.

I had a college qualification and experience volunteering in film and media, and I wanted to utilise these skills by working in social media and marketing. Ferry Project helped me realise that I had somewhere to start and this offered a glimmer of hope where before I had only seen an uncertain future.

Ferry Project helped to enrolled me in a “Confidence for Life and Work” course. Initially, public transport meant I wouldn’t be able to arrive early enough for the start time, but after a conversation the course providers allowed me to start later and complete work at home. Before long I successfully completed the course.

They also helped me to update my CV, create an Indeed account and begin sending out applications. Things were looking up. Then the pandemic hit.

Suddenly I was locked down in the countryside, unable to volunteer or develop my skills, and my mental health suffered. I lost interest in engaging with online courses.

Then one day, out of the blue, I received an opportunity. The fostering agency who had placed me at my current home reached out to me with a job offer. It was a home-based opportunity to work in social media and marketing - absolutely perfect for me. Not only was it where my passion lay, but I could work from home meaning transport issues would not interfere.

I began immediately, attending Zoom training sessions and editing videos which thoroughly impressed my new employers. Ferry Project helped me to complete my induction paperwork, and then I said farewell to them with enormous gratitude and headed into the start of my new career!

*Name changed for anonymity