July 30, 2025
Unwavering commitment in the pursuit of a better life
Robbie had always envisioned a future in the construction industry. Born in the UK, he moved to Sierra Leone with his mother when he was just five years old. During his time there, he worked as a hospital porter and in retail. In 2023, he returned to England with his mother, hopeful for a fresh start.
However, Robbie was faced with hardships such as an unstable living situation, cost of food, and having his possessions stolen.
Finding Bounce Back
Robbie was referred to our Pathways to Employment project by Southwark Works on 16 May 2024. From the beginning, it was clear he had the motivation to move forward. He completed our wellbeing survey, scoring highly in areas such as confidence, optimism, and feeling useful. The one area he felt less confident in was managing his problems—something we were ready to help with.
Our first meeting with Robbie was on 17 May 2024. We introduced him to the project, spoke about available support, and gently explored his past substance use.
Robbie was keen to get back into training, but we both recognised that without a stable place to live, progress would be difficult. We supported him in registering with the Homeless Persons Unit and, once that was underway, began looking at training options.
He expressed interest in our Level 1 Painting and Decorating course, and after completing a risk assessment and application, he was offered a place. He started the course on 3 December 2024.
During this time, we also referred him to CGL for a Peer Mentor. He attended regular one-to-one sessions, as well as anger management workshops where he learned helpful techniques to manage his emotions. We also arranged a session with the Careers Adviser at Southwark Works, which resulted in a place for Robbie on a 12-week CSCS course at Lewisham College.
Holistic Support: Housing, Health, and Wellbeing
Recognising the critical impact of housing on his wellbeing, we helped Robbie gather the necessary documents to submit his housing application. He worked hard to get support from his mother for the paperwork, and within a few weeks, his application was accepted. He was advised to explore private rental options, and we connected him with both St Giles Trust and St Mungo’s for additional housing support.
Robbie’s housing situation remained challenging. We issued food bank vouchers, kept in regular contact, and encouraged him to access medical support through his GP..
To support his training, we provided a weekly Oyster card top-up and lunch allowance. Robbie remained focused and determined, passing the course in February 2025 with a strong result.
Looking Ahead
Robbie excelled during his training and completed the course with a high pass mark. He’s now working closely with the Careers Adviser at Southwark Works and is preparing to begin a new CSCS course soon. His journey hasn’t been easy, but his commitment to building a better future is unwavering.
A Message of Hope
Robbie’s story is a testament to what can be achieved with resilience, support, and the belief that change is possible. His progress shows that with the right guidance, individuals can overcome difficult circumstances and make a positive contribution to society.
We’re proud to have supported Robbie on his journey—and we hope his story inspires others to take that first step toward change.
His journey hasn’t been easy, but his commitment to building a better future is unwavering.
