The Mustard was originally recommended to me by an agent in Remploy. She said that she had worked there for two weeks when she initially started working for Remploy and that Mustard Tree had a range of things to do. She felt that they may be able to provide me with some current work experience.

I initially approached a worker in the Ready for Work Club at mustard Tree. I was on Jobseekers Allowance and was seeking help to find work and update my CV. I was also hoping to gain work experience in order to put myself in a more favourable position for finding work. I was shown around the Mustard Tree invited to join the Freedom Project.

Before I joined the Freedom Project I just wanted to be able to leave my home and have a safe welcoming place to go, something that was realised at Mustard Tree. On the project I enjoyed meeting new people, many of whom were going through problems similar to my own. I no longer felt socially isolated and I know that I have grown as a person as a result of being at Mustard Tree.

I am pleased to say that I have now found a full time job, working at Manchester Metropolitan University as a customer service adviser. The role involves supporting new students in their accommodation, and I’m really enjoying it. While I now hope to stay in employment for the next twenty years, I am also focused on maintaining my wellbeing by creating a healthy balance between my work and home life.