“I had a great time on my Dublin Simon CE Engagement work placement. It gave me the confidence to go on and do further training, to upskill myself with the help of the CE Engagement team. I really got to know what good work that Dublin Simon Community does for the homeless in Dublin and as a result I decided to apply for a role with the Organisation. I’m glad to say that with a lot of hard work, help and trust of my colleagues I got a full time role in the Treatment Services. I am very lucky to have gotten a job during the Covid-19 Pandemic but it was really as a result of giving my all to the experience on offer from my CE Engagement Placement and taking the help that was on offer along the way from the Dublin Simon team. The experience to date has changed my life and that of my family for the better. It has not just got me back into the workforce but it has given me the confidence to believe in myself again and look forward to the future.”

“I had been out of employment a number of years as a result of my experience with being homeless. I was so fortunate to be offered a CE position that I felt was tailored to my previous experience. The initial structure that the position provided to me in my daily life was so beneficial from the outset. I have developed my interpersonal skills with colleagues and service users of the Dublin Simon Community. Prior to starting on the CE Engagement scheme my confidence and self-esteem was extremely low, and I was struggling with the guilt, shame and stigma of homelessness. Today I use that same experience to stand up in front of people and share those same experiences in a positive and I hope beneficial way for others. The training I have undertaken through the scheme is enabling me to chart out a longer term strategy to gain full employment in the labour market. I feel very confident today that I will achieve those goals.”

“It has helped me and guided me to achieve my goal, which is to get back into full time employment. I have got many certificates for courses at level 3 and level 4 which all helped me in the early stages of my CE scheme. We also did a lot of team bonding which I found to be very important. My CE scheme supervisor, was and is always there if we need to have a one to one chat about job opportunities or how you are getting on in general. The work she and her team puts in every day is huge. The opportunities and supports they put in place for us to work with have helped and will help me and all my CE scheme work colleagues to achieve our goals. For this is not just any CE scheme it’s Dublin Simon Community CE Engagement scheme and it’s run by staff who take pride in getting people back into a working environment and put a stamp on their future.”

“The CE scheme was a huge support for my personal development. To have a job and to work with a very well-known organization Simon Community meant a lot. Professionally all the training courses and the coaching that was provided for my role in the CE scheme helped me to have a very solid foundation for my new present employment as a Carer-I recently got. Also it allowed me to be part of the Client Action Group and Mental Health Campaign for Homeless People and contribute as a woman, migrant and a mother. I am so grateful for this opportunity I was granted.”