For the past few months, I have been really struggling to come to terms with my situation of being unemployed, broke and bored. After being refused a job on health grounds I was ready to loose my rag, and give in. Thankfully though I am made of dterner stuff. It is testemnent to both my parents thst to suceed in life, you must be willing to fight for what you want. so that is what I did.

Firstly I asked the jobcentre to help my find a work placement or work training course, and they reffered me to the SHAW TRUST. This is a Charity that helps disabled people find employement, and after meeting with my case worker, I felled reasonably sure (no pun intended) that my life what change for the better. I few days later I applied on-line job for a local governemt agencey, (LGA) and during that afternoon, my Shaew Trust case worker rang me to ask did I mind working for a Charity on the placement they were looking to provide. Of course I didn't mind, if I was going to work for free I would rather do it for a Charity.

Next I had an email back form the LGA, asking me to complete an online test. The test was timed, and no-ome was allowed to present whilst I submitted my answers. luckily for me, Mark was at work, so |I had the house to myself.

Would you credit it? As I was making myself a coffeee after the on-line test, my case worker from Shaw Trust called to say that i had an interview set up for PEMBROKESHIRE FRAME, at the end of the week. I met a lovely lady at FRAME, who instantly made me feel at ease. Her name is Carol Burton, and she is the amazingly-hard-working, jolly and loveable support worker at FRAME. After a brief interview, I was chuffed when FRAME agreed that I could have my work placement there, so for 2 days a week I would be, helping out in the office, and rebuilding my shattered confidence. Towards the end of June, I had another email from the LGA to ask if I would attend a formal talk/type test interview in Pembroke Dock with them. Here after spending 15 minutes completeing forms, Crimminal Records Checks and Health Questionnaires I had to sit in front of a computer and preforn the required test. Suffice to say, when that I was completed, I crossed my fingers and hoped for the best, but didn't hold out much hope. The reason being I had to wear a headset, whih was actually easdy to use, but I was worried that being deaf in one ear could case me a problem. Thankfully it didn't and the interviewers were very aware about disabilities and discrimination so there were no problems there. They indicated that if it wasn't a problem for me, then it wasn't a problem for them. Its so easy how a simple sentence can make you feel so much better. Life continued as normal, I went to FRAME twice a week and began to hope again. I would find my job, I would not be turned down, and I was an employable person.

Until this week, when my life has changed again. I GOT THE JOB WITH THE LGA!

I have to say goodbye to the wonderful SHAW TRUST, and to all of the fantastic people at FRAME, but, at least now I can live and enjoy my life once again.

Thank you for sharing my journey with me, and remember there is a job out there for you. It may take time, but with faith, hope, and maybe a little charity, your turn will come soon.

Amanda Davies PS Please do your little bit for charity and click on the related links on my page, to FRAME and SHAW TRUST. Thank you.