Tommy Hall was unemployed when he visited the project base in nearby Abington’s Old Schoolhouse at the beginning of this year.

He had heard about a monthly drop-in where the Connect2 Renewables team offered advice and information on the types of support available to help local people into work.

Keen to engage, although facing some personal barriers to employment, Tommy initially committed to improving his health and fitness, so Connect2 Renewables agreed to fund his gym membership at The Old Schoolhouse for six months.

Having completed this, the project also helped him purchase gym clothes for a volunteer role at the gym and at the reception.

Further funding has now been agreed for a Level 2 Fitness qualification, meaning that Tommy is working towards the Instructing Physical Activity for Children certificate. Once completed, this will enable him to support local young people on their own fitness journeys.

Most significantly, Tommy was recently offered a permanent position at The Old Schoolhouse, also as a result of a Connect2 Renewables funding award.

Tommy credits his decision to visit the drop-in service as one of the best he ever made and adds: “Everyone at Connect2 Renewables has been a great help and support. I feel so much better, and I am happy to be able to give back to my local community.

“It just wouldn’t have been possible without the help of the team at The Old Schoolhouse and the funding from Connect2 Renewables. It’s not something I ever expected when I first went along looking for information, but I’m so pleased the service is there; it has really made the difference I needed.”

Tommy's Manager, Nichola Hilli (pictured with him below), is also delighted at the impact the service has had on Tommy in such a short time.

She added: "I first met Tommy six months ago, when he joined the gym here at the Old Schoolhouse. To see how he has grown since our brief chat about his desire to help others and volunteer as a ‘gym buddy’ to where he is now is truly inspiring.

“Having undertaken three formal qualifications and donated 100+ hours of his time, it's a genuine pleasure to have him join us as a paid member of staff. I know that his experience and enthusiasm will help so many others.”

And Rachel Hughes, who runs the monthly drop-in session for Connect2, believes his experience is an ideal example of how personalised and targeted support can make a real difference: "It has been a pleasure to be able to work with the team at the Old Schoolhouse, giving Tommy the individual support he needed on his journey into employment. 

"I hope his story inspires others looking for help with getting into work to take that first step and come along to my monthly drop-in."

A proportion of the community benefit funds from the Middle Muir windfarm, Crawfordjohn, and the Kype Muir windfarm, Strathaven, supports the South Lanarkshire Council and OnPath Energy Employability Initiative Partnership.

Those who are out of work and who live within 10km of either windfarm can apply.

Drop-ins are held on the last Monday of every month at the Old Schoolhouse in Abington.