Jess lands dream job thanks to project

A 21-year-old Carmarthenshire woman has just secured her dream job in fashion and retail, thanks to the support of COASTAL - a project which supports people to overcome barriers to employment and training.
Jess Fletcher, of St Clears, was enrolled on to the COASTAL programme in March 2010 in order to receive support in finding suitable employment.
Since suffering a road accident in 2008, Jess has had to undergo a long and extensive programme of rehabilitation.
The COASTAL team has supported her through work experience and workplace assessments to identify her physical and behavioural tolerances for work – and now Jess can be seen proudly serving customers as a sales advisor in Debenhams, St Catherine’s Walk – a dream that at one time seemed out of reach.
Jess is enjoying her job, and says she is grateful for the support she has received from COASTAL’s Occupational Therapist Gina Strong and her colleagues on the Career Pathway team.
She said: “I’m really enjoying the work. Gina has helped me tremendously throughout this experience.”
Her mum added: “The help, kindness and support that Jess received has been outstanding. This has given Jess the chance to get her life back, as she says, and she couldn’t have done it without the COASTAL Project.”
In order to prepare Jess for employment, and to ensure managers at Debenhams were confident that they could support her, COASTAL project staff prepared a report to recommend what steps could be taken in order that Jess could work as independently as possible.
Jane Davies, Sales Manager on Womenswear, said: “Jess is progressing well and is becoming more confident. Plus, she is excellent with customers.”
COASTAL Senior Career Pathway Officer Steve Squires added: “Being involved with COASTAL has helped Jess to achieve her long term goal of re-engaging in work, which in turn has increased her confidence and her social opportunities. With ongoing support from the Career Pathway Team Jess’s long term aim is to secure full time employment with Debenhams, and we wish her all the very best.”

Pictured, from left, is COASTAL Career Pathway Officer Fran Horton; COASTAL Occupational Therapist Gina Strong; Debenhams staff Sara Richardson, Jess Fletcher, Denise Thomas Jones, Jamie Wilson and womenswear sales manager Jayne Davies. Pic Jeff Connell