My name is Kelly, and I am a single parent with two young children living in Alton. I had previously worked in the pharmaceutical industry and been a fulltime parent for more than two years. As my children began school I started to consider returning to work and wanted to find a creative role where I could more fully utilise my Fine Arts degree and passion for painting.
In February 2022 my Job Coach at my local job centre told me about the Abri Work Academy (AWA) that was being run by Abri’s Employment Services in partnership with luxury interior design company, Porta Romana. They were offering roles in their Farnham workshop. I was at a very low point in my life and my personal circumstances were terrible following the break-up of my relationship; this opportunity came along and gave me hope.
While I was really interested and the creative nature of the roles was really appealing, any job would need to work with my childcare. The team were understanding and explained that although the roles were full time, Porta Romana could be open to other hours and encouraged me to take part. At the same time, throughout the AWA, the team also reassured me that if Porta Romana did not work out for me then they would help me to find an alternative role.
It was great to virtually meet the Employment Services team and the other participants who were all so friendly. And I got to virtually meet people from Porta Romana where they talked about their workshops, the roles and the company. I was really impressed and eager to have a chance to complete the AWA and apply for the roles as it sounded like exactly the sort of role that I wanted. The employability session, about how to present myself in the best possible light at an interview, was really useful and informative.
The mock interviews gave me the opportunity to discuss my enthusiasm for the roles and explore concerns around childcare and juggling work with being a single parent. Throughout the process the AWA team were enthusiastic and supportive and completely honest about the challenges while reassuring me that these could be overcome and that they would do all they could to support me.
I was invited to interview with Porta Romana at the head office, however, a few days prior to interview I tested positive for Covid. I contacted the team who were understanding and liaised with Porta Romana to enable me to do the interview on Teams once I was feeling well enough. I was delighted to be shortlisted and invited to a second interview and a tour of Porta Romana’s workshop.
As part of the second interview, we were asked to complete a practical task in the workshop, applying gold leaf, which was amazing. Having seen the workshop and met the people at Porta Romana I knew that I really wanted the role. At this point I was also offered another job, but I really did not want it and dreamt of working at Porta Romana instead. I called Employment Services and we discussed the options.
The following day I received a call to say that Porta Romana were really impressed with me and would like to offer me a role. I was so happy and surprised – I couldn’t believe it! At the time I was sitting on the sofa with my young daughter and my delight was so obvious that she noticed, looked at me and said: “you got the job mummy,” and we celebrated together.
As it was a couple of days before the Easter weekend and I had childcare to source before I was able to start. The AWA team liaised with Porta Romana once again and a start date was agreed. I was so excited.
I started with Porta Romana in early May 2022 and I’m enjoying my role working with beautiful materials and creative people. I have recently been laminating linens and silks in the 'shades' (lamp shades) department.
Working for Porta Romana has had a really positive impact on my life. My confidence and self-esteem have had a massive boost and I feel like I can hold head up high again. I’m proud to tell my children about my job and what I do, and they have noticed the difference and commented that I’m now much happier.
I am so grateful to the whole Abri team. Honestly, I would not have had such an opportunity if it weren't for them. They have given me such consistent support throughout the process!