CASE STUDIES

You will find in this section some of the amazing stories from people who Bristol Together have helped.

Sam's Story
Introduction / highlight into the particualar case study, could be as long as a sentence or maybe two.

James' Story
Introduction / highlight into the particualar case study, could be as long as a sentence or maybe two.

Rob's Story
Introduction / highlight into the particualar case study, could be as long as a sentence or maybe two.

John's Story
Introduction / highlight into the particualar case study, could be as long as a sentence or maybe two.

Matt's Story
Introduction / highlight into the particualar case study, could be as long as a sentence or maybe two.

Sam's Story

Sam has been working on projects with Bristol Together for 12 months. Before working with Bristol Together, Sam had experienced over one year of sustained unemployment, despite having over 8 years of skilled experience. After spending over 2 years in prison, Sam found that finding a job was near impossible.

“I wanted a new direction but it seemed impossible, no one was willing to help...I was applying for so many jobs, but as soon as they hear you have a criminal record, that’s it, you hear nothing again"

Bristol Together gave Sam the second chance that he needed. He has now excelled in a variety of areas of property development from painting and decorating, to gardening and plastering. The most notable change of all has been the growth in his confidence, which saw Sam finding it difficult to even communicate with others on his arrival. Now Sam is an active member of the team and you would never know he once suffered with confidence issues to talk to him.

“I am constantly learning now – before no one was even willing to help me get out of my situation. Now I’ve seen there are people who are willing to give you a chance. It’s refreshing.”

Sam has particularly enjoyed working in property refurbishment, as it has given him the opportunity to experience a wide variety of jobs and new challenges, something he never thought he would have the chance to do. This has helped him work out where his strengths lie and the area of work he enjoys the most.
Without Bristol Together, Sam is confident that he would still be unemployed, with increasingly less chance of getting out of his situation.

“Without Bristol Together and Aspire, I’m not sure I would have achieved anything at all to be honest. I would be where I was, just sitting at home, wondering if anyone will ever take me on. It just makes your confidence drop so much. I was getting into a real rut.”

After a year with Bristol Together though, things are looking up. Sam now aspires to be self employed in property development, and hopes to work towards more technical qualifications so he is able to specialise in carpentry – the area he most enjoys. Once successful, Sam ultimately aims to set up a social enterprise just like Bristol Together.

“One day I would love to set up something like Bristol Together. I’d like to help others like they’ve helped me. There are so many good young workers out there who just can’t get work – and I know how bad that really is. I’d like to be able to help them work in what they’re good at.”