In spring 2009, Ross Chesworth was referred to Surrey Care Trust’s '8 Weeks Back to Work' programme by his Offender Manager from Redhill Probation Centre. He joined their 'Learning as a stepping stone to employment' project, hoping it would help him to overcome the disappointment he felt in himself after losing his job and being made homeless.

Ross had been working continually since leaving school, and losing his job completely knocked his confidence and self-esteem. He needed to overcome the barriers to feel positive about himself again, and committed to attending all sessions to help him on his way to doing this. Ross later returned to Surrey Care Trust to help the FACE Development Workers run the next programme, as a volunteer supporting other offenders attending the group. 

Ross has now completed an OCN in Horticulture, OCN in Preparing for a Recruitment Interview Course and a Personal Development Course.  In September 2009, Ross was invited to speak about his experience working with the Surrey Care Trust and also the project in Horticulture at HMP Highdown at a Surrey Probation Conference for partner organisations in Surrey working with offenders on Community Payback programmes.

Through a networking opportunity at this Conference, the FACE Development Worker was able to put Ross in touch with the Manager of the Guildford Furniture Project.  He was impressed with Ross’s enthusiasm and assisted Ross to become volunteer for the Guildford Furniture Project with an aim to then gain future employment.  Ross has been working as a volunteer with the Guildford Furniture Project for 2 days a week since September 2009. He is hoping to start training as a NVQ Assessor so that he can use his upholstery skills to train other people in this field.

In Ross’s words, “Through the programme and working with the FACE Development Workers it has enabled me to move forward with my life and get me out of a hole.  The way in which the FACE workers talked and helped me made me come out of myself and has given me a sense of achievement. They have given me a future and continue to support and mentor me through my change”.