My working career has been varied over the years; I have worked previously as a printer, then in various factories as a paint sprayer for MFI Kitchens and also as a forklift truck driver, writes Wendy Fitzpatrick, Workways+ mentor.

Whilst I enjoyed these roles I had always felt that I would like to have a change of career, but was unsure of what direction I should take.

I was told by a good friend of mine who was going through a really bad patch in her life that talking to me really helped her, and that I had the skills to take this forward as a career.

Whilst working full time, I started to work voluntary to gain skills and experience.

I volunteered as an outreach worker for an organisation that provided free needle exchange.

I knew then that this kind of role was what I was good at and excelled in.

I then volunteered for the Citizens Advice Bureau and at a women’s refuge; this was also a role I thoroughly enjoyed.

I gained extensive training from all these roles that stood me in good stead for further support roles.

Originally from Hull, east Yorkshire, I moved to Ceredigion over 10 years ago with my family, and was lucky enough to secure a job supporting unemployed individuals.

In recent years I took up the role of mentor with Workways+, who support people who are unemployed, aged 25 and over, and have additional barriers, for example ill health, disability, age, caring responsibilities or come from households where no one else works.

My role involves working with adults that are sometimes furthest away from the employment market, providing them with the skills they need to gain employment.

Workways+ provides opportunities for mentors to work with individuals on a one-to-one basis, creating CVs, undertaking job search, accessing possible volunteering placements and training.

We are a small team that involves myself and three other mentors. Al and Carly cover the north and myself and Ffion cover the south of the county but we work together to share ideas and work cooperatively.

My typical working day consists of engaging with unemployed individuals.

Once enrolled, I work with an individual to create a plan specific to their needs and their expectations.

See this week’s south papers for the full feature, available in shops and as a digital edition now