"Mohammed's Own Words"
Mohammed was referred to Just Straight Talk by his work coach at West Bromwich JCP as they felt that he required additional support to access training and employment. However, as a refugee with almost no English language comprehension this was a huge barrier for Mohammed in several aspects of his daily life, as well as something that qualified his as economically inactive as opposed to unemployed as he was unable to job search by himself.
At JST, there are no members of staff that speak Mohammed’s first language, so we had to get creative when engaging with him to ensure that we could deliver the best possible support and achieve the best outcomes that we could. In order to do this, we used a translator website during support sessions so that we could communicate effectively. This was also used when scheduling or communicating remotely via text message about appointments or important updates.
Mohammed came to his first appointment with lots of correspondence from his utility supplier regarding his energy debt and Sandwell council regarding his rent and council tax arrears.
As Mohammed could not read, understand, or speak English it was impossible for him to deal with this issue by himself.
As Mohammed could not read, understand, or speak English it was impossible for him to deal with this issue by himself. JST contacted all of these creditors to make arrangements for Mohamm arrears/debts to be paid, and to add myself as a third-party contact to his accounts so that I could advocate for him until his English comprehension and ability had improved. Eventually, Mohammed and JST managed to get his debts reduced and his bills under control.
We also had his energy meters changed from smart meters to pre-payment meters as this would be much easier for Mohammed to manage as it was what he had been used to in his first property when he arrived in the UK as a refugee. This helped Mohammed to manage his finances more independently. Mohammeddoes still have the odd issue with correspondence from his creditors but is better able to ask for help than he was.
Mohammed was a little confused about the bills that he was required to pay, how often he should pay them, and how much he needed to pay. On top of this, his Universal Credit payment was extremely minimal. JST supported Mohammed to organise his finances by going through each of his bills and creating a log of the cost, frequency and due date of each bill that he could follow.
As Mohammedcould not read, understand, or speak English it was impossible for him to deal with this issue by himself. JST contacted all of these creditors to make arrangements for Mohammed arrears/debts to be paid, and to add myself as a third-party contact to his accounts so that I could advocate for him until his English comprehension and ability had improved. Eventually, Mohammed and JST managed to get his debts reduced and his bills under control.
We also had his energy meters changed from smart meters to pre-payment meters as this would be much easier for Mohammed to manage as it was what he had been used to in his first property when he arrived in the UK as a refugee. This helped Mohammed to manage his finances more independently. Mohammed does still have the odd issue with correspondence from his creditors but is better able to ask for help than he was.
Mohammed was a little confused about the bills that he was required to pay, how often he should pay them, and how much he needed to pay. On top of this, his Universal Credit payment was extremely minimal. JST supported Mohammed to organise his finances by going through each of his bills and creating a log of the cost, frequency and due date of each bill that he could follow.
JST also set up online accounts with his energy provider so he could top up his meters as and when he needed to, and so that he could pay his rent and council ta online. We also applied for financial support that Mohammed was eligible for such as the Sandwell Council Household Support Fund to try and maximise his income during the more costly winter months, and again for the Council Tax Energy Rebate. Mohammed is now better able to manage his bills.
Mohammed was able to enrol onto an ESOL course to work on improving his English. He started attending Dudley College twice per week for 12 hours in total. Mohammed's understanding, speaking and reading ability improved a great deal and we began to rely less and less on the Tigrinya translator website during support sessions. Mohammed also progressed onto a more advanced course that he continues to attend. Eventually, Mohammed began to ask for support to find work. I supported Mohammedto create a CV and a cover letter and set up an account with indeed so that we could begin job searching together during support sessions. Mohammed and his JST worker then began searching and applying for opportunities during support sessions but did not seem to get many responses. However, we persevered, and Mohammed was also working closely with his work coach.
On 16/05/2022, Mohammed informed his JST worker that his work coach had referred him to a job the previous week, and that he was interviewed and was offered the job. On 16/05/2022 Mohammed started working at Global Framing Supplies in West Bromwich, a company that specialises is building photograph and picture frames. Mohammed will be working as an assembler. This role is for two days per week with a total of 16 hours.
Advocate
We are able to speak up for individuals and act on their behalf and them in a range of complex situations such as benefit assessments , appeals, with debt agencies, social services, housing.
Mentor
We provide support over a period of time to help and guide people through difficult situations, to overcome issues and barriers and change their lives for the better.
Support
We provide individual support for people facing a range of issues. Working 1-2-1 we work with people to identify and address their main barriers, develop coping skills, improve confidence and well being
Advocate
Whilst working with people to address their issues and barriers we actively support them to become stronger, more confident and gain control over their own lives.