Jess’s story

Jess worked with us over a number of months on her confidence and self esteem, as she suffered badly with anxiety and depression, and her medication meant her sleep patterns were causing her to spend a lot of time in the house.

She took part in Get on Track, an eight week sports and personal development programme which The Junction delivered in partnership with the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, and really enjoyed the experience, participating fully in all activities, and getting into more of a regular routine.

Once the course was finished Jess worked with her Junction worker and coach on a one to one basis, looking at her aspirations for the future and what small steps she could put in place to improve her situation.

She had always wanted to be a firefighter – as such we helped her complete an application for Cleveland Fire Brigade’s Fire Support Network. She now gives hours of her time each week volunteering for them, helping out at community events and working within communities fitting smoke alarms and carrying out home fire safety visits.

She had had initial tests for becoming a retained firefighter, which she has passed,and although still on ESA currently is very close to the day when she will be ready for work. She is more confident, happier and has a support network of people around her who she can rely on. Making a difference.