Creativeworks: Carol’s story

Creativeworks’ employment consultants work alongside people to identify their key strengths, find suitable job prospects, and provide individual support where needed. Looking for work is a partnership between the job seeker and the consultant. Together, they will search job vacancies, approach employers, network, and contact recruitment agencies.

The benefits of working can include improvements to a person’s physical and mental health, self-esteem, and confidence; greater income; new friends and contacts; increased skills and a stronger sense of identity.

Carol* connected with Creativeworks when her business of more than 20 years was forced to close following Aotearoa’s COVID-19 lockdowns. Being a business owner, she did not have a CV, had never been to a job interview, and did not know where to start looking for employment. With her funds running low, she was struggling emotionally. Fortunately, during this difficult time she receiveda call from a social worker at her medical centre, asking if there was anything she needed. When she explained her situation, she was referred to Creativeworks.

How we supported Carol

Carol began working with a Creativeworks’ Employment Consultant, who supported her
to apply for financial assistance through Work and Income. They then identified Carol’s transferrable skills, prepared a CV, found suitable job options, and began interview preparation. During these sessions, it became clear that Carol’s dream was to own her own online business, so they pivoted to start
brainstorming ideas. A business plan was developed and business mentoring arranged. They also discovered Carol was eligible to access financial assistance for people who were starting a new business after the COVID-19 response.

The difference we made

Losing her business and income, and the uncertainty this brought, greatly impacted Carol’s life. She developed anxiety and felt she had lost her path. However, through the Creativeworks’ supports, Emerge Aotearoa successfully helped Carol take steps towards new career possibilities. Thanks to this support, Carol found strength, developed more confidence, and started to feel more positive as she took the first steps back into self-employment.

How is Carol doing now?

• Carol’s business plan has been approved with financial support to start up and flexi-wage for a
  period of six months.
• She is well on the way to setting up her new online business.
• Carol says: “I fully recommend Creativeworks. My Employment Consultant reminded me that I
  have a future, she resourced me with what I needed, she researched for me and found the
  support package for me. She always treated me with respect, and she always believed in
  me…With years of setbacks, I had lost faith in my abilities. She was able to remind me of my
  strengths and capabilities and get me up and back in the game. I am very grateful and looking
  forward to the exciting year ahead”.

*Name changed to protect the privacy of the individual.