Small sparks comes to the rescue

Jordan, who works as a mechanic in Bridgwater, has been awarded a grant to buy his own tools.

The grant from Small Sparks is part of the Discovery Community Fund which awards people with additional needs £500 to enable them to live fulfilling lives in their community.

“It’s like Christmas has come early”, said Jordan.

The community fund also allocates grants of up to £50,000 to organisations.

Supported Employment Co-ordinator, Gina Pring, applied for the grant because Jordan was using everyone else’s tools at the garage where he works. Jordan was referred to Gina by a social worker and she supported him to find a job that suited him and his skill-set.

“I visited Jordan and he was a very shy person. When we went through the vocational profile, I realised he had an aptitude as a mechanic. I approached Rusty Road 2 Recovery in Bridgwater and they were glad to take him on.” said Gina.

Jordan works four days a week at Rusty Road and spends one day a week studying for an NVQ2 in Maths & English with Skill Up Somerset. He’s hoping to become a fully qualified mechanic.

Martin Clifford, the Managing Director at Rusty Road said: “Since Jordan has been here, we have seen so many positive improvements to his behaviour and well-being. He has gained more independence and he appears more settled in life. The team here have all mentored him with such a kind and supportive approach to all of his needs. This whole experience has helped Jordan and us as a family immensely.”

During the early months of the Coronavirus pandemic, Jordan wasn’t able to go to the garage and he missed it. He was glad to be back in late summer.

Gina said: “I think Jordan was referred to me at the right time because he was desperate to work. He’s a really confident, likable part of the team now. You would not believe it, he’s making tea, there’s banter with me and his colleagues; he’s brilliant.”

If you would like to apply for a Small Sparks grant please contact Rebecca Simmonds at smallsparks@discovery-uk.org