SPEECH, SPEECH!

“Who would have thought attending an Employment Platform event organised by Crisis Skylight in Spitalfields, would alter my life and outlook.

A member at Crisis had given me the nod to visit the House of St Barnabas stand. Really, I thought not for me!.

Luckily, I had a butchers at their website thank gawd I did.

I shuffled nervously to their stand, Brian and Ollie were great so encouraging and enthusiastic,

I can’t believe it I’m at The House of St Barnabas, Soho, anxiety going through the roof, heart beating like a drum, shaking like a leaf, nose dripping like a tap and sweating profusely. Not my finest hour or a good look.

Here goes!

Oh No, decisions now, should I pull the fragile bell or raise the heavy lead knocker?

Too late, before I can turn tail and flee BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! and the heavy Georgian door opens allowing me in, yep my first day at the Employment Academy. Eeeek!

The House of St Barnabas is full of surprises. The original Rocco plaster, the impressive marble spiral staircase, the six themed rooms, restaurant and bar, artwork adorning the walls, secret courtyard garden, and this chapel.

A few weeks in we were asked our clothes size, should I lie and say two sizes smaller in the hope that I lose a couple of stone within a week?

I’m not going to lie it hasn’t been easy and it hasn’t been a walk in the park.

At times it felt like a mountain to climb, and l did have a couple of wobbles. It has been a roller coaster of a ride. But I’m here on graduation day.

Yes, l have a lot to be grateful for, I’m moving on got a lot of great memories. I am ready for work, thinking about comedy acting as a few people have suggested it. (Not sure if that is a compliment, but I’ll take it) and want to create a blog random Jean Jeanie. To be launched soon.

It will highlight issues and stigma surrounding homeless and other random things that take my fancy ie reality shows love island really what’s that all about?

One last thing can l remind you there are candles and umbrellas for sale bearing The House of St Barnabas logo. £30 squid.

All proceeds going to the Employment Academy.

Well everyone, the moment has come Jean is leaving the house.

Oh, one more thing l will not miss those frigging stairs going up the Employment Academy!”

 

 

– Jean, Graduate August 2017, our 10th Employment Programme