Breakthroughs in Life

posted: 08/12/2009

If you feel trapped in a HIV rut, maybe this example of small steps leading to big, welcome changes will inspire you. ‘Rob’ (not his real name) was seeing a George House Trust adviser about employment and other problems at George House Trust, and we suggested he go to the Independent Employment Advocacy Centre. With his employment problems their ‘supported advocacy’ would be especially helpful to him.

‘Rob’ worked at a hostel for people and had asked for an Occupational Health assessment for work because his HIV treatment was changing and this affected his work. One of the advocates from Independent Employment Advocacy Centre went with him and supported him at the Occupational Health Assessment by a doctor, and then helped him successfully apply for Disability Living Allowance and Working Tax Credits.

Working breakthroughs
Nine months on, he was able to look and plan his career. He’s asked Breakthrough’s Employment Team to support him in the career move he really wants. He has become more active in his trade union and put himself forward to be a learning rep this year, and has now been in this role for several months.

He also had an appointments with Breakthrough’s new Law Works clinic, about a housing problem. He says that “Breakthrough is supporting [him] to stay in work, and has made all the difference for [him]”.

BreakThrough UK provide a range of services including legal advice at their new law clinic. Anyone who has HIV counts as disabled and can therefore use Breakthrough. Their law clinic helps with advice about Housing, Employment, Benefits, Consumer Affairs, Debt, problems. They can’t help with criminal, family or immigration/asylum problems.

The law clinic is at Breakthrough and runs from 6pm to 8pm fortnightly on Wednesdays and available by appointment only. To book ring the Independent Employment Advocacy Centre : 0161 273 5412

Employment Advice on the road
Their Independent Employment Advocacy Centre (IEAC) is holding a series of Outreaches, where you can come for information and confidential one to one support on employment issues. Dates are as follows:
Old Trafford Library, Old Trafford (Every 1st Tuesday, 11am – 1pm)
5th January 2010

Shaw Trust, Oldham (Every 2nd Friday, 10am – 1pm)
11th December 2009
8th January 2010

“Café Eden” Victoria Mill, Bolton (Every 3rd Wednesday, 12pm – 2pm)
16th December 2009
20th January 2010

Stockport Wellbeing Centre (Every 3rd Thursday, 12:30pm – 2:30pm)
17th December 2009
21st January 2010

Breakthrough Breakthrough UK Ltd.
Business Employment Venture Centre,
Aked Close, Ardwick,
Manchester M12 4AN
0161 273 5412
Text phone: 0161 273 5727
email
 

Liverpool Office 0151 236 1030