Staff at Barnardo's were delighted to receive a special message of support

In a year like no other when people are struggling with the added pressure the pandemic has brought and the news reports do little to lift anyone’s spirits - children’s charity Barnardo’s Scotland received a message which put a smile on everyone’s face and made them walk a little taller that day.

The message was received from a young adult who was supported by one of the charity's services that launched in April 2010.

The short message was read out at a senior leadership meeting by Tommy McDade, assistant director for employment, skills and training, Scotland and Northern Ireland.  

The charity received the message through its website: 

It said: “Good evening, this message has been a long time coming.
My name is Stephen*, and I attended a short employability course with yourselves in Granton, Edinburgh. I can't remember what the course was called, or if it is still ongoing, but it was based at Granton, Edinburgh.

"I believe I attended this course back in 2010/2011 (I was 20/21 at the time) and you helped me get a placement for a local charity. It was difficult transitioning to the workplace when I had been unemployed mostly since I was 16. I had no qualifications having left school in my final year before I was due to take my examinations.

"You helped me get in the workplace, developed my professional and personal confidence and created the foundations to where I am today.

"I am now married with children, in a stable job with career potential and I am hopeful to receive my masters degree in quantity surveying next year, on top of my bachelor of engineering (honours) that I received last year.

"I'm not sure if this message will get through, but I am grateful that the three employees who were there to help me gave me a chance and provided the valuable service.

"Thank you, I'm very grateful. Keep doing your good work."

The Service was Barnardo’s Scotland’s Employability, Training and Skills service, Barnardo’s Works, it was first launched  in Granton with support from North Edinburgh Trust.  The service still exists in Edinburgh and has expanded across Scotland supporting young people into employment across the country.

Tommy McDade said: “If ever we needed reminding why we do the work we do, it’s receiving a message like this.  Barnardo’s Scotland is just part of the equation, Stephen and many young people like him are capable and willing to study and work, they just need a helping hand. We’re so pleased we could be part of Stephen’s success story and we wish him all the very best for the future.”

Barnardo’s Works supports young people transition into the world of work, offering a range of locally based employability services. It has offices and training bases across Scotland where they are able to deliver employability programmes. 

Barnardo’s Works depends on partnership working with local businesses and organisations offering placements, if you would like to be the part of a young person’s future contact the charity - search Barnardo’s Works to find out more about the service and see how it supports young people.

* name changed to protect identity