TNG helps disabled man off benefits

Graham Houghton, 31, from Chester, who has a qualification in Computer Forensics, is paralysed in his left arm as a result of an accident.

Despite searching for work on numerous occasions, he was unsuccessful in finding employment in his chosen field, and as a result felt demotivated. He decided to join TNGs Pathways to Work Programme in Chester, a Government programme offering a package of tailored support to people with health conditions and disabilities to help them realise their workplace potential. As a result, Graham is now in full time permanent employment as an E-Forensics Officer in the High Tech Crime Unit in the police.

Determined not to let his disability hold him back, Graham, with the help of his TNG adviser Lorna Crawshaw, worked on rebuilding his confidence in his own abilities and successfully sourced a work placement opportunity with the police. During his placement, Graham was able to demonstrate to his employers that he was able to undertake the work required within his role and consequently led to him being offered a full time position as an E-Forensics Officer.

Commenting on Graham's achievements, Averil Goodier, Pathways to Work Contract Manager at TNG said: "Graham just needed the opportunity to prove that irrespective of his disability, he was still able to do the job of an E-Forensics Officer. We sourced a work placement opportunity with the police where Graham was able to draw upon the knowledge he gained from his studies and consequently being offered a full time position at the crime unit. We continue to offer Graham In-Work Support from TNG, which involves contacting him on a regular basis either by telephone or email to ensure he is still happy with his current role and are delighted at his success."

Graham, added: "TNG provided me with the confidence, motivation and belief I needed to achieve my ultimate goal and find a job in my chosen career. I felt that my disability was a barrier to work and felt despondent about the future. TNG was there to help me find direction and gave me multiple opportunities, more than I could find on my own."