Holly was born with learning disabilities, some autism/Asperger’s, and signs of dyscalculia (a learning disability involving difficulty in learning or comprehending mathematics). She has Level 1 literacy.

Having previously worked as a packer and porter for Morrisons in Croydon, Holly found it difficult to find similar work after moving to Hastings. Lack of work in the area left Holly feeling isolated, lonely and reduced her confidence. 

She joined the “Encouraging Employers to recruit the Harder to Help” project run by Working Links in February 2009, having recently completed an employability award at college, because she wanted support that would help her secure paid or unpaid work. She needed additional assistance and learning to help her meet her goal.

Holly is an auditory learner, who processes information when it is spoken; she likes discussions, but is shy. Holly prefers 1-to-1 learning, but retained all information given to her and fully took part in learning.

Holly was delighted to secure work at the Oxfam bookshop in Hastings where she now works every Monday. The assistant manager said she was really pleased with Holly’s work and it was a delight to have someone on board who was so passionate about books. Holly thoroughly enjoys her job and feels it has given her a new lease of life. She loves meeting new people and talking about books. It’s given her an increased confidence in her own abilities and she says she smiles a lot more than she used to. Holly ends up buying new books each week from the store. Holly’s mum has noticed a positive change in Holly since she started coming onto this course and believes it has given Holly the confidence and motivation to apply for this position.

Holly is thoroughly enjoying her work at Oxfam. This summer she hopes to be trained so she can operate the till, which is something she would never have considered in the past. The job has given her a greater amount of confidence in her abilities and she is considering taking on extra voluntary hours. Holly’s long-term plan is to find paid employment in a book shop or become an assistant manager at the Oxfam bookshop.

UPDATE: Since this Case Study went to press, Holly's hours at the bookshop have been increased- she now works on Mondays and Thursdays, and is really enjoying the extra time she can spend meeting new people and working in the shop.