Oskar's Story
When Oskar joined Team Domenica in 2020, his confidence was at an all-time low. The uncertainty of COVID-19 and starting a new college had rocked his self-esteem and he was nervous to make mistakes. However, with the help of our Supported Employment Programme, Oskar began to come out of his shell. He learnt new skills in our training café and classroom, and completed a variety of work placements.
Oskar’s favourite part of Team Domenica was Enrichment and it was here that we saw his most significant growth. His confidence improved as he developed new friendships and built stronger ties in the Brighton community. He flourished in activities such as cricket and kickboxing, and, as his self-esteem grew, so did his self-belief. He started to recognise his potential and see a brighter future.
I enjoy enrichment the most, it’s definitely more fun than not seeing people and being bored alone. Getting to see my friends, and to use some energy, makes me happy and more smiley.Oskar, Team Domenica candidate
In September 2022, Oskar started our Supported Internship Programme. Knowing his love for creative industries, Team Domenica’s employment team worked to find him a placement within this field. Thanks to their efforts, Oskar soon started an internship as an usher at Theatre Royal. This experience allowed him to work with customers, demonstrate his potential and enjoy his passions. He even met a few celebrities along the way, including John Bishop and Ian McKellen!
At the end of his internship, Oskar was offered a paid position within the theatre. When asked about his time at Team Domenica, he said:
I was really anxious when I first started TD but my confidence grew. I learnt lots of new skills, learnt to be independent, and am more confident speaking out and standing up for myself. If TD didn’t exist I wouldn’t have been able to find a job, especially not at the Theatre Royal (which I love)!
After gaining employment, Oskar became a part of our Wrap Around Programme. This provision offers ongoing and tailored guidance after our young people have attained paid work. It also helps candidates to organise social gatherings and find additional workplace opportunities.
Oskar made use of this support in 2024 as he hoped to use his skills to help others in the community. With the help of our Post-Internship Manager, Oskar began working as a volunteer at Scope on London Road. He thrived in this new role (which he maintained alongside his employment at Theatre Royal) and loved making a difference with his time.
It has been amazing to see Oskar thriving in both his paid and voluntary jobs. Oskar used to worry about making mistakes, and struggle to ask for help, but now he’s confident, chatty and willing to take on new challenges.He’s such an outgoing and friendly person so it’s great to see him having fun with his colleagues and being part of the team. Supporting Oskar through this stage of his work journey has been an absolute pleasure.
Ruth, Post-Internship Manager at Team Domenica
Oskar's Journey at Team Domenica
I love my job. When I was at college I didn’t believe I could get paid work, I didn’t think I’d ever have a purpose in life, but being in the workplace feels astounding… like crazy, crazy, crazy!!
Oskar, a Team Domenica candidate now in paid work at Theatre Royal
Our Wrap Around Programme is funded entirely by our community, support this life-changing initiative today
