"Paul's Own Words"
I signed up for the Digital Divide project in December 2025 as I wanted to get back into work and explore various training opportunities to help me develop my knowledge and skills, as I was unemployed and didn’t know which way to turn. I lost my job in November 2024 due to my alcohol intake, which resulted in me also getting a conviction, and I felt this was a huge barrier for me with getting back into work. I have been sober for just over 1 year and I’m so very proud of this.
I met with Stacey and she started supporting me to create a CV and upload this to my Indeed account and also look at what type of work I was able to do. I was very interested in security work, but it wasn’t achievable for me because of a conviction, and I was turned down for an opportunity at the application stage. Together we worked through my set goals and week by week I learnt how to job search independently, increasing my digital skills and confidence and manage my emails.
I was provided with lots of information around various training opportunities both online and onsite at different colleges throughout the Black Country. I was very keen to get into a trade and Stacey identified a Painting and Decorating course at Sandwell College. She guided me to complete the online interest form and also helped me obtain a free SWIFT Travel West Midlands 4-week bus pass to enable me to travel to the open day at the Cradley Heath campus.
I continued to job search independently at home and applied for various roles online. I was then contacted by a company and invited to an interview for a cleaning role I had applied for. I felt very nervous about this, and Stacey completed a mock interview session with me, which really helped me feel more confident. After attending the interview, I was offered a full-time position working in Halesowen as a cleaning Operative.
I cannot believe how far I have come, and without the support from Just Straight Talk, I wouldn’t be where I am now. I feel like this is a new start for me.
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
Empower
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.