Recently I managed to catch a viewing of Slumdog Millionaire. It is a brilliant film, haunting and filled with real life insights from the world of the slums in Mumbai. The story of a Mumbai teen who grew up in the slums and becomes a contestant on the Indian version of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" He is arrested under suspicion of cheating, and while being interrogated, events from his life history are shown which explain why he knows the answers. It is such a clever story line, highlighting how he was able to win the jackpot and the girl of his childhood dreams by reflecting of the lessons he has learnt in life.

After I watched the film I reflected on the lessons for A4e and how we work with so many unemployed people who believe they have no answers and no hope of winning the jackpot.

Very often our clients face multiple barriers to employment through no fault of their own. When we meet them they have lost the most important asset in job hunting, self esteem, self confidence and a belief that there is a job out there for you. We can give anybody skills, we can help anybody do the job search and applications, but without self-esteem and confidence all the skills in the world will not get you a job.

Self esteem is something that once lost is very hard to find. But self-esteem is our magic gift to all our customers. Through your listening and guidance I know you help many of our customers remember just how many skills and talents they have gained through there own life experiences. Whether it is a single mum who needs reminding of her budgeting competence having brought up three children for 8 years on benefits or the carer who needs reminding of the skills and talents they have picked up whilst caring for a elderly relative. All this guidance and listening helps our customers to regain their self esteem and confidence.

Thank you for what you do, in enabling our customers to remember just how good they are and how they can use their life experiences to win the Job Jackpot.

Thanks

Roy