|
Steven
was selling The Big Issue for two to three years on and off, while being
homeless and in and out of temporary accommodation. Steven, who is 35 years
old, joined the outreach program which was run by Grand Central Union to
improve his communication skills and his lifestyle in general. This lasted
approximately 3 years, in which time he acquired both health and safety and
first aid certificates. Steven then moved on to join an Intermediate Labour
Market (ILM) work experience program provided by The Big Issue in
Scotland/Scottish Enterprise. Steven later found work with a local
authority. To get his wages paid for both ILM and his new job Steven needed
an account with a bank and, after several attempts to open a mainstream
account, he finally came to Grand Central Savings to open one which he has
been using on a regular basis since. Steven had very little identification
and no proof of address, the things he needed to open a mainstream account.
Steven has been in steady employment since he
opened his account and, when he arrives, he is always telling staff proudly
about his job and how much his life has changed for the better and how happy
he is with the GCS services. |
