Some success stories of trainees whose lives have been transformed (their names have been changed for reasons of confidentiality)

Steve's story:

I used to have a number of problems with my life - including alcohol and drug dependency and I was homeless.  I decided to try to take some steps to change things and I well remember the day my social worker referred me to Crumbs.  I undertook work skills training at Crumbs Bakery and then Crumbs Café and received good support from the staff there and also from my fellow trainees.  I was able after a couple of years training at Crumbs to take up voluntary work at a local hospital.  After doing this voluntary work for 6 months I was offered full time paid employment by the hospital and I still work there after 18 months.



Judy's story:  

I had had a few problems over recent years and felt I had no confidence to hold down a job.  I attended Crumbs for a year or so and felt a definite benefit both in terms of picking up work skills and in regaining my self-esteem.  When I felt sufficiently confident, I applied for several jobs and in fact I was offered two employment positions - one of which I accepted and have held down for 6 months now.



Ivan's story:

I trained at Crumbs for a couple of years doing all sorts of tasks - baking, cooking, serving customers, cleaning and more.  I then felt able to apply for a part-time cleaning job in a local hotel and I really concentrated on doing the job conscientiously.  I was fortunate enough then to be offered full time paid employment by the hotel and have managed to keep focused for a couple of years now and also live independently.



Stan's story:

I'd never had a proper job before and worried about my future.  My key worker referred me to Crumbs and I attended both the Bakery and Café.  I surprised myself as to how I took to the business of the catering trade.  I have managed to secure a job at a local café restaurant after a couple of years training at Crumbs and have now completed 18 months in this full time paid post.  I also now have my own rented flat and live independently.