Ben’s story: believe in yourself

I thought I couldn’t do it and didn’t believe in myself but now I’m on my second placement, I feel I can do it now and believe in myself more

Ben joined Project Choice in September 2021. He had been at college previously but had no work experience. He wished to develop employment skills in a work placement with support.

Ben is Autistic and has a learning disability with anxiety. He has some difficulty with clarity of speech. He also needs time to process his responses and has some coordination difficulties meaning he can find it difficult to manipulate small objects.

Ben has received support in learning tasks by breaking down the information and helping him understand. Ben has been able to have a go at tasks himself but, has been happy to ask if he was struggling.

Ben has received support to travel independently on the bus to and from his placement. He found this difficult at first but, with support and practice, he overcame his anxieties and built independence.

On Project Choice Ben has attended weekly Functional Skills Math and English sessions as well as NCFE accredited Employability Skills lessons. He has received appropriate support in line with his Educational Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Ben has got on well with all staff and students.

Ben has attended work placements at Belle View Stadium and Ushaw College.

Belle View Stadium is a family-run football club in Consett.

At Belle View Stadium, Ben worked with the staff and his tasks included, helping with litter picking, preparing the pitch for games and training, cleaning the changing rooms.

Ben was very nervous when he commenced his placement but, grew both his confidence and independence. On Project Choice, he has learned and developed coping strategies which, have had a positive impact and he feels more able to calm himself.

Ben received great support from the staff and owners, including Facilities Manager, Mark Bell.

Mark stated, “It has been great to see Ben’s independent grow during his time with us and seeing how confident he became while working."

Ushaw College is a former Catholic seminary and school. At Ushaw College, Ben has really enjoyed getting to know the staff, who have been very supportive and welcoming. He has recently learned new tasks including, a range of ground maintenance and housekeeping tasks

Ushaw College stated, “We’re looking forward to helping Ben develop some independence skills for work.”

A Quote from Ben about Project Choice

On Project Choice my maths and English sessions have been good. I have learnt to be more confident and independent. On education days, I have learned how to control my anxieties.

I have learned to travel independently and to do tasks independently.

I was nervous about going on placement and thought I couldn’t do it and didn’t believe in myself but now I’m on my second placement, I feel I can do it now and believe in myself more.

I would recommend Project Choice. It is a fantastic opportunity.

Comments about Ben from Project Choice

Ben has made great progress on Project Choice. He is kind and respectful to others and he has had excellent attendance. He has never given up despite some significant difficulties.

Ben works well with the support of someone to check in with and a daily agenda to keep him focused and reassured on what he needs to do.

Ben has actively participated in class activities and loves to keep everyone upbeat with his singing and dancing during breaks. He has good motivation to learn and recently created a quiz for our 2021/22 Graduation.

Ben has always had a welcoming attitude to receiving support and trying different ways to move forward and complete work and tasks.

Ben has been a valued student on Project Choice, and we are pleased to be supporting his transition into a long-term volunteer position at Ushaw College. We wish him every success in the future.

Well done, Ben!