Case Studies: Step Ahead
My Noah’s ART Story: Jay
“It was refreshing to have that positive social experience and to feel that comfortable around others, compared to my previous experiences as someone with autism and social communication difficulties. This experience helped me to feel more confident in who I am.”
How it began
Jay had struggled with social anxiety for a long time, as part of his experience living with autism. School and college weren’t easy, and Jay was seeking a chance to boost his confidence.
After hearing about Noah’s ART through his mum’s work, Jay started volunteering once a week on our animal welfare team.
Not long after, the opportunity arose for him to take part in a fully-funded course with us: 16-weeks of hands-on animal care and employability training.
“I really wanted to gain a solid piece of experience to show others and myself that I could successfully complete a course, after having had a bad experience with college.”
Then what happened?
On starting the course, Jay was nervous. However, knowing the people and the place already helped:
“Volunteering initially with Noah’s ART made it a lot easier anxiety-wise to step up to the course, as I already knew the staff and the environment.”
As someone with dreams of working full time in a role he could really enjoy, Jay was determined to work on the difficulties he faced whilst he had the chance to do so in a supportive environment.
“The Teamwork experience was the main thing that helped me achieve my goals. Working with people who were supporting me and who I felt comfortable enough with to put forward my ideas was so helpful.”
I actually felt part of the team.
This helped me drastically, if you compare me now to where I started. The teamwork was very challenging, but in a good way.”
“The employability content was also really helpful. For example, the practical activities, interview practice and CV advice really helped me. I also felt that the course content and practical activities were meaningful and had a point and were worth doing.
This improved my confidence and motivated me to stay engaged.”
What’s next?
Jay successfully completed the course, which then opened the door to another exciting opportunity: a traineeship.
“I am now doing a media traineeship with the Reporter’s Academy in MediaCity UK. This is a combination of on-the-job and college-based training.”
“Comparing my success in some of the activities involved in this to my anxiety when I first started the ESF course, you can really see my progress.”
Jay now feels inspired to do more courses and training in future, until he achieves his dream job.
He identifies the boost in confidence provided by the Noah’s ART course as the main reason he felt able to even apply for his traineeship.
“The course definitely improved my mental health. I have gained the confidence to pursue a resolution to any issues myself and stand up for myself and for what I need. I have gained the confidence to advocate for myself in my personal and professional life.
I now have a lot more skills, confidence and self-belief to work through any difficulties in my life.”
