Historic Derby saw North East unite for purpose beyond football
While the Black Cats faced the Magpies for the first time in eight years in league competition, the official charities of the North East rivals united behind a greater cause.
The employability team at the Foundation of Light has helped Suzanne Purnell get back on track after a period out of work.
Suzanne was unhappy in her previous career and felt she needed a fresh start for her own wellbeing.
However, her search for a new role was taking longer than expected which caused low self-esteem and a loss in confidence, leading her to seek help.
Suzanne was connected to the Foundation of Light through the Salvation Army, who introduced her to Employability Coach Susan Kane.
Susan introduced her to prospective employers, including Nissan, where Suzanne would go through a successful job application to work in their paint shop.
She passed Nissan’s agility test, line trial, and was successful in interview, but there was a slight problem with her medical due to her suffering from Raynaud’s Disease.
Suzanne’s start date was set back by 10 weeks as her doctor refused to let her start work, and she was supported by Susan Kane with applications for other jobs in the meantime.
After some time, Nissan contacted Suzanne about a different role, working in material handling, which varied from the kind of work that she had previously done.
Susan settled her nerves and reassured her that she was capable, helping build Suzanne’s confidence for the new role.
“I had almost lost all faith, but Sue believed in me and kept trying. She personally phoned Nissan, who found a new opportunity for me, and now I am back in work,” Suzanne said on the support that she was given.
While the Black Cats faced the Magpies for the first time in eight years in league competition, the official charities of the North East rivals united behind a greater cause.
Rees Greenwood sat down with Foundation of Light scholars as the former Sunderland AFC man took part in the second instalment of the ‘Changing Room Chat’ series.
Nine-year-old Sunderland super fan Sonny Nunn received a big surprise during a school assembly this week, and it’s one he’s still struggling to believe.