“If You Try, Doors Will Open” – Matty’s Story

Matty in Doncaster shares his inspiring story and words of encouragement for anyone who might be facing a challenging time like he did. He also discusses the recent ‘Right to Try’ legislation, which empowers people who receive benefits to reintroduce themselves to work or volunteering, and the important role PIP plays in improving quality of life.

“I’m currently completing a Level 2 Certificate in catering and have just applied for my Level 2 Diploma. I chose to study catering a couple of years ago because I found it really helped with my mental health after I went through a difficult time. I lost my mum during COVID-19 and when the pandemic settled and things started getting back to normal, that’s when it really hit me. I asked my support workers to help me with cooking and got really interested in it from there. Since I started my college course, I’ve developed more skills and it’s built my confidence, whereas before I doubted myself a lot.

I do voluntary work on Tuesdays as part of my college work experience. I’ll prep the salad bars and menu specials for the day and do a stock check of the fridge. I’ve done some front of house experience but I prefer to be in the kitchen doing the hands-on jobs – I like to keep busy.

I am also supported with my finances, including with an allocated weekly budget and savings. It means I can have money put aside for my Doncaster Rovers season ticket. I’m a big fan of the football and it makes me really happy to go to the matches. With my season ticket I can go to every home game and that means a lot to me.

Receiving benefits like PIP is so important for people. For those who have limited finances, it gives them a chance to do things they want to do and might not get to otherwise. It could be going shopping, or on day trips, or even attending football matches like me.

The ‘Right to Try’ is important because everyone needs experience, whether it’s paid or volunteer work. If you get that experience, it can progress to better opportunities. If you do a good job with your volunteer work, it may lead to paid work. I believe everyone who receives benefits and wants to volunteer should have the opportunity because it’ll open doors for them.

Things are going really well for me and my goal is to get back into full-time work, which would be a big personal achievement. I never really found what I enjoyed doing until I started studying my catering course, so I’d like to eventually go back to work at a job that I really enjoy.

Even this time last year, I didn’t give myself enough credit, but I do now. I give myself credit when I do something well and that’s something everyone needs to do. I feel that now everything is very positive and I’m happy. I do still have blips and bad days, but I’ve learned that it comes and goes. It’s about how you deal with challenges, and from my experience I’ve learned how to work through them and be happy again. I’ve come a long way these past two years and I’m really happy I’ve got my Level 2 qualification.

If anyone’s going through a tough time like I did, tell your staff and managers because if you don’t tell anyone how you’re feeling, they won’t be able to help you. I am quite an independent person, but it’s important to let people know when I’m going through a tough time so they can help me.

If you are struggling, try to find a hobby that takes your mind off things and remember to talk to people and let them know how you’re feeling. Whether it’s a friend or a mental health support group like Andy’s Man Club, it does the world of good. If you feel you’ve lost your dream, never believe it’s truly gone away. A new dream might turn up in later years, you never know. If you try, doors will open.”