BADUWA QUARTENG MENSAH

Baduwa Quarteng Mensah had been unemployed for 12 years when she was referred to Prevista’s Mentoring and Support for 50+ Claimants programme by her Jobcentre Plus work coach. Prevista has been delivering this provision, specifically designed to support the needs of older workers, since 2014. Alongside our delivery partner RBSS, we have made a huge impact on the lives of participants, many of whom have not been in work for decades, helping them update their skills and search for jobs in the modern labour market.

Through a programme of tailored one-to-one and group provision, Baduwa’s RBSS Personal Adviser, Monachiel Appiah, was able to support her to overcome multiple barriers to employment including literacy, health issues, large gaps in her CV and a dearth of ambition and long term goals.

Monachiel helped her to update her CV, conducted interview technique sessions as well as motivational presentations. Baduwa also received one-to-one support to learn modern jobsearch techniques such as searching for jobs online and using Prevista’s innovative MyWorkSearch app, which enabled her to take control of her journey to employment.

Within a few weeks of being on the programme, Baduwa matched with a number of jobs and went for several interviews. With newfound determination and confidence, Baduwa finally secured freelance work in sales dealing in ladies clothing and accessories – an area identified in her coaching sessions as being of interest to her. The freelance role enables her to work flexible hours allowing her to fit it around her family responsibilities as a single parent.

Baduwa feels she has now regained her confidence and self-esteem. She is highly motivated and with the help of the in-work support package she is receiving, she is making good progress and effectively dealing with the challenges of entering the world of work after a long period of unemployment. Baduwa now strongly believes that over 50s are excellently placed to re-enter employment as, “with the right support, age should not be a barrier but an advantage”.
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