ReachOut helps Wirral resident back into work after 20 years
A Wirral man who had been out of work for two decades has secured a job and regained his confidence thanks to support from the council’s commissioned employment support service, ReachOut.
David, who is profoundly deaf, had struggled for years to find work and felt let down by traditional employment support services. “I felt lost and unsure about what kind of work I could do without my hearing,” he explained. “I couldn’t see a clear way forward.”
Everything changed when David attended a ReachOut Work Club in Woodchurch and met Job Coach, Chris. “For the first time, I felt listened to and supported,” said David. Together, they worked on his CV, explored suitable job roles, and discussed the support available for people with hearing disabilities. David also attended Work Club sessions at The Community Shop in Beechwood, where he met Rachel, another member of the ReachOut team. “They both gave me advice, guidance, and confidence,” he said.
Within weeks, David was invited to his first interview in 20 years. Although unsuccessful, the experience gave him a huge boost in confidence. Shortly after, ReachOut connected him with a local employer recruiting for a part-time cleaner role at a Banking Hub. With renewed confidence and interview preparation from the team, David impressed the employer and was offered the job.
I can honestly say I’m happier than I’ve ever been. Thanks to ReachOut - and my sister, for introducing me to them - I now feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I’m employed, confident, happier and able to earn money to support my family.
ReachOut, delivered by local charity Involve Northwest and commissioned by Wirral Council’s Economic Growth Service, provides free, impartial and confidential advice to help residents overcome barriers to employment. Over the past year, the programme has helped more than 400 people into work through personalised support, work clubs, and partnerships with specialist agencies.
David’s story is a fantastic example of how personalised support can change lives. ReachOut doesn’t just help people find jobs – it gives them confidence and the tools to succeed. Having meaningful employment gives people more than income, it’s also about opportunity and wellbeing, and it’s fantastic to see the positive impact that this UKSPF-funded programme has had in our communities.
Employment isn’t just about a job outcome; it’s about confidence, choice, and long-term wellbeing.
This project supports people as individuals, removing barriers and opening up opportunities that lead to meaningful and sustainable work.
When people are supported as individuals, not numbers, they succeed. This project puts local people first, helping them move into work that works for them.
Real-life stories like David’s bring to life just how important this type of one-to-one support is in providing people with the skills and confidence they need to move into the workplace. The difference this sort of service can make is genuinely life-changing and I am very proud that we have been able to support it.
ReachOut is funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Wirral Council Public Health.
The ReachOut team run drop in Work Clubs across the borough, supporting residents like David find work. The current timetable can be found here, with more information on the variety of help available through the service available on Involve Northwest’s website.
