Jesús, an architect with over 20 years’ experience, approached ABS in September last year after being made redundant due to the coronavirus pandemic. ABS provided financial support which enabled him to cover his expenses so he could look for a full-time position.
I first came to ABS after becoming unemployed due to the pandemic. I was working on a practice designing cinemas but when cinema projects were stopped, I was made redundant.
Looking for work is a full-time job in itself and I was searching from Monday through Sunday. Despite working as an architect for twenty years, I was facing obstacles because of my lack of specific experience and specific software knowledge.
Universal Credit was providing me with enough support to pass by one month to the next, but I was worried about how I would pay for any additional expenses beyond rent and food.
Then I became aware of ABS. I spoke to Aidan [ABS Welfare Officer] who understood my situation and was able to provide the financial support I needed, as well as signposting me to Renovo for helpful job search resources.
The support from ABS gave me comfort and the ability to sleep well at night.
It was a huge relief at the end of the month. We all have standard bills to deal with each month but when something unexpected happens it can affect your finances. The support from ABS gave me comfort and the ability to sleep well at night.
In January 2022 I found work as a freelance architect for a London based company and I am happy to be working here.