The young person (John) learnt about COMPASS through his Personal advisor for the 16+ team and started working with the Carefree COMPASS Key Worker almost a year ago. This young person was homeless and sofa surfing at a friend’s; this was causing the young person to feel deflated and causing severe back pains. John was adamant that he did not want to leave his local area where he called home. John wanted to find employment close to his local area and to be able to afford his own accommodation or at least a bed in shared house. From the start, John wanted to complete his CSCS training and needed the funding for this.  His COMPASS Key Worker sourced funding through the Prince’s Trust but unfortunately, John did not respond to telephone calls from them. His COMPASS Key Worker tried on numerous occasions to facilitate the calls but without success.

John successfully made an application to Funds For Care and received tools that he had requested to support his career aim.

John did not want to participate with group activities offered to him through Carefree, but would rather work with his Key Worker on a 1:1 basis. John had a large social network in his local area and he relied on them throughout his difficult times and was well supported. With support from his COMPASS Key Worker, John learnt how to source information and manage his contacts with professionals a lot better, for example answering emails and telephone calls. He became competent in sourcing information needed for applications for housing etc. John throughout was demonstrating great ability in applying for jobs being very effective in this.

Through the support of the Carefree COMPASS Key Worker John has now gained full time employment in his local area and is now living with his girlfriend in a 1-bedroom apartment. He reports that his mental health has improved by 100%, as he knows he has his own space and an actual bed to sleep in. John was grateful to the COMPASS Key Worker for the support provided throughout his time on the project, even if sometimes it was just being on the other end of the phone listening. John will look again at his CSCS card training in the future, but for now, he is happy doing what he is doing.