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Man's first job inspires a new career in theatre

Sense Jomi Denedo working in a kitchen, he is wearing a white chefs suit, and black gloves, he is cleaning a pan. Kitchen items are around him including paper towels, a sink and plates and cups on a shelf to the left. He is looking down, and has a beard. Sense
Jomi Denedo has worked for six months as a kitchen porter

A 28-year-old man with cerebral palsy who has been employed for the first time said it had given him the confidence to follow his dream of working in theatre.

Jomi Denedo, from Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, was helped by the charity Sense, through its employment service, to gain work as a kitchen porter.

He said he had previously carried out voluntary and unpaid placements, but after being advised on how to write a CV and be interviewed, he began his first paid role in July.

He said he was feeling "positive" about his future and he would continue to use the kitchen skills he has learnt "to cook for the people I care for".

Sense A yellow keyboard, monitor, mouse, note pads, hearing device, aids to help people in the work place, on a desk, in an office. The desk is white, with cables coming from the equipment. Sense
Jomi referred himself to the Sense employment service, which provides expert tailored support to disabled jobseekers, the charity said

"Because of my disability I'm very independent, so I tend not to ask for help if I need it or when I need it.

"I'm feeling positive, I'm now going to work towards my personal goal as I have always liked the theatre from a young age.

"I now want a career in theatre but I will use my food skills in life, to cook for the people I care for."

'More confident'

Mr Denedo, who also has a mood disorder, said despite deciding to leave his current employer, he was making food that was "restaurant standard each day".

One of the biggest skills he has learnt was when to ask for help.

He plans to continue learning a computer programme in 2D and 3D design so he can work in the scenic area of the arts.

"I'm much more confident within myself.

"I feel OK to stand up for myself and not feel guilty about it, I can't do everything, but I've learnt how to be more productive.

"I'm noticing that I'm a lot more quicker at getting things done and understanding things a lot better than I thought I did."

Maxine Hunter, his employment coach, said: "We've been working together for eight months and I can see in that time how hard he's fought to overcome the barriers placed on him by other people's expectations.

"He is very self-driven, and his confidence has improved so much in the time I've been working with him.

"I'm so pleased it's paid off."

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