Jonathan Reynolds had never seriously thought about pursuing a job that used his natural creative flair. He said: “I wasn’t very confident and used to get really anxious so employment wasn’t something I thought was possible. I love making costumes based on characters from films so when I started thinking about the types of jobs I’d like to do during the programme, I realised I would love to become a prop designer.”

With the help of his mentor on the SEMLEP 'Building Better Opportunities' project, funded through the European Social Fund and the National Lottery's Big Lottery Fund, Jonathan looked at relevant placements and secured a place on a Screen Northants’ workshop scheme. There he helped to make sets, sound editing and working as a runner and extra on the feature film, Macbeth. He says having someone from Teamwork Trust give him one-to-one support to overcome his worries gave him a massive confidence boost.

“Samantha helped me come up with a plan to manage my anxiety and help me settle in which was just what I needed. I soon started to realise I was changing, able to speak louder and more confidently. My friends and family could see the change too and they can’t believe how far I have come.”

Becky Adams, Producer, Screen Northants said: “Jonathan threw himself into unusual situations putting himself outside his comfort zone. He was polite, professional and diligent with good attention to detail and was a real pleasure to have around. We hope we will work with him on other projects.”

Jonathan is about to start another placement with Kettering-based arts company, Picture the Difference.  He said: “I feel like I’ve been given lots of new opportunities and that makes me feel really happy. I would love to set up my own business selling theatre props and I now feel that might be possible.”

More on the 'Building Better Opportunities' project HERE.

If you have learning difficulties or know someone who has and would like to access employment please email Samantha Farrow: [email protected], for more information.