Ross’ Story

Living with disabilities is hard for many different reasons, people with disabilities have different circumstances and their situations are unequal to them. I always say I have a collection of disabilities, because I have a learning disability, epilepsy and other things, which can sometimes feel hard.

Before starting a Project Choice Supported Internship, my life was a living nightmare. I had no confidence, I couldn’t talk to anyone, I was shy, nervous, and anxious.

When I enrolled at College after finishing school everything changed for the worst. Sitting in the corner of the common room, isolated from everyone, people would pass me and call me names. This affected me badly. My confidence, my personality and mental health, all changed.

After I left College I got my diagnoses of having Autism. I remember being angry, I sat back on my sofa and proceed to watch the months go by.

After a year and a half, my parents pushed me to give Project Choice a chance. At first I thought it was yet another 12 month course that lead to nothing and would help me go nowhere. But how wrong I was.

At Project Choice, I did on the job work placements and employability classes. My first placement was with Mark from the Materials Management team at an NHS Trust. Mark took a chance on me. I really enjoyed working with the team, I credit them all for helping me to regain my confidence because they were approachable and friendly.

To have such a traumatic experience at College, I lost faith in people. To come into a supported work environment where they know the circumstances surrounding me, meant everything to me.

I graduated from Project Choice in 2018 and started an apprenticeship at an NHS Trust. Towards the end of my Apprenticeship, I applied for an admin assistant job with Project Choice at Health Education England, which I was shocked that I got! A week after starting, Covid restrictions hit and I had to learn a new job online. It was scary, but my managers at Project Choice are a god send and without their guidance I would have been lost.

I completed my apprenticeship with distinction and am currently working towards my Level 3 in Business Administration.

I’m so proud of myself and I owe everything to Project Choice. It transformed my life for the better, the team helped me, encouraged me and gave me a chance to try new things.

They believed in me even when I didn’t.

I am beyond happy and grateful to work with and around some of the kindest, most understanding, patient, and lovely people I’ve ever met.

Project Choice really exercise their core value of making a difference. How do I know this? …. they’ve made one hell of a difference to my life.  

It is important for HEE to employ people with a disability as it sets a precedent to other organisations in the NHS, to provide opportunities and chances for all. Individuals with disabilities bring new skills and assets to a team that otherwise wouldn't be there.

From the onset Ross has been a highly motivated and conscientious team member, always willing to go above and beyond what has been asked of him. Over the past two years it has been a delight to see Ross grow and learn in his position with us, gaining confidence and new skills daily and being a true asset to the team.

Beth Gibb, Direct Line Manager.