Moving In, Moving On, Moving Up: Pete’s Journey Into Employment
When Pete first engaged with Skills Connect, he was determined to rebuild his life and return to work after a period of unemployment. Despite facing significant challenges with his health, mental wellbeing, and housing situation, Pete remained motivated to secure meaningful employment and improve his circumstances.
Throughout his journey, Pete received support through the Employment Skills and Lifelong Learning Team and the Housing Teams at Bristol City Council. This included support through the Skills Connect and Move in Move On and Move Up projects and wellbeing professionals. His story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and resilience in the face of numerous barriers.
Starting the Journey
Pete initially expressed an interest in working in the security industry and felt that a security role would be a good fit for his skills and interests. Working closely with Skills Connect, he explored training opportunities and enrolled on a Door Supervisor course with Get Licensed, with Skills Connect contributing towards the course costs.
In addition, Pete was supported to identify suitable employers, explore different security roles, and update his CV so he would be ready to begin applying for jobs once he completed his qualification.
However, during this period, Pete was experiencing significant difficulties including his deteriorating health, and housing instability eventually resulted in him becoming homeless. Recognising that these challenges could impact his progress, Skills Connect referred Pete for ongoing support through the Move in, Move on, Move up project (MIMOMU) which offers specialist employability support for those experiencing homelessness.
Challenges and Setbacks
Although Pete was offered a job, his mental health deteriorated and he was unable to attend. At this stage, he reassessed his priorities and felt that obtaining a CSCS card might provide a quicker route into paid construction work. He enrolled on a CSCS course while continuing to explore employment opportunities.
As Pete’s mental health worsened, MIMOMU referred him to the MIMOMU Wellbeing Tutor to work alongside the employability support. It soon emerged that Pete had previously received support from MIMOMU via the Wellbeing Tutor, meaning an existing relationship and trust were already in place. This familiar connection proved invaluable during a particularly difficult period.
Pete’s mental health declined rapidly, leading to safeguarding concerns being raised. Through conversations with Pete and partner organisations, it became clear that his accommodation was having a significant negative impact on his wellbeing.
Housing Support and Safeguarding
A safeguarding concern was raised and the MIMOMU team reached out to Pete’s Housing Advisor as his housing was severely impacting his wellbeing and his ability to progress. Pete was accepted under the council’s housing duty and placed on the waiting list for social housing while also exploring private rented accommodation options.
Following multi-agency discussions, the Housing Officer also submitted a safeguarding referral and ensured that all housing support referrals accurately reflected his needs. They also arranged for a floating support referral through the housing register to increase the support available to him.
The strong rapport the Housing Officer had built with Pete enabled her to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges he faced and ensured that safeguarding concerns were communicated clearly and effectively. This additional support helped create a more coordinated response around Pete during a particularly vulnerable time.
Overcoming Practical Barriers
One of the biggest obstacles to Pete achieving his goal was completing his SIA licence application.
The flexible nature of the MIMOMU project allowed Pete to engage with support when he was able to, step back when his mental health required it, and re-engage without judgement. This flexibility was essential in helping him continue moving forward despite setbacks.
MIMOMU assisted Pete to complete the outstanding elements of his SIA application. What initially appeared to be a straightforward process became increasingly complicated.
Pete attended the Post Office to verify his identity, only to discover the service was unavailable at that location. After multiple unsuccessful attempts, a suitable branch was eventually located and the application was submitted. The SIA then requested additional identification in the form of a driving licence, creating another unexpected hurdle.
MIMOMU supported Pete to apply for a provisional driving licence, while simultaneously requesting extensions from the SIA due to the strict application deadlines. Each extension request was granted, allowing Pete to continue progressing despite the delays.
Throughout this period, MIMOMU often met Pete at Turnaround, a local service supporting people experiencing homelessness. This provided a familiar and accessible environment where Pete could receive support while also accessing essential services such as free meals.
A Turning Point
A major milestone came when Pete’s provisional driving licence arrived. Shortly afterwards, he secured a council flat, enabling him to move out of the chaotic temporary accommodation that had been negatively impacting his wellbeing and recovery.
For Pete, having a safe and stable home represented far more than housing. It provided security, independence, and a foundation from which he could focus on his future. Despite the challenges around him, Pete’s wellbeing was improving and spoke proudly about finally having a place to call his own.
With the necessary documentation in place, Pete successfully obtained his SIA licence.
Achieving Employment
Once licensed, MIMOMU supported Pete with applications for security roles. Within a week of applying, Pete secured an interview and was offered a security position.
To help him start work confidently, MIMOMU provided a voucher to purchase suitable work clothing, including trousers, a shirt, and comfortable professional footwear.
Outcomes:
- Completed Door Supervisor training.
- Obtained a provisional driving licence.
- Successfully secured an SIA licence.
- Accessed mental health and wellbeing support.
- Received safeguarding and housing support.
- Moved from temporary accommodation into a more stable tenancy.
- Secured employment as a Security Officer
Pete’s Resilience
Pete’s journey was far from straightforward. Homelessness, mental health difficulties, safeguarding concerns, and complex administrative barriers could easily have derailed his progress. Instead, he continued to re-engage with support, remained committed to his employment goal, and persevered through every challenge placed in front of him.
His story demonstrates the importance of flexible, person-centred support and the power of partnership working. Most importantly, it highlights Pete’s determination and resilience in overcoming adversity to achieve lasting positive change.
Move In, Move On, Move Up is a dedicated employability programme supporting individuals with a history of rough sleeping or those currently living in temporary or unstable accommodation. We offer free, specialist one-to-one support designed to help people overcome barriers and take positive steps towards employment.
If you’re working with someone who is homeless, in temporary accommodation, or is a refugee or asylum seeker, please get in touch: mimomuproject@bristol.gov.uk or visit our webpage.
