FALLING over a pair of his daughter’s shoes proved to be a life-changing experience for a 42-year-old Towyn man. Three broken toes and a visit to the hospital to discover a brittle bone condition meant that after 20 years working in the construction industry, Jonathan Parry was facing long-term unemployment. Undeterred, Jonathan looked for a change in direction, and with the help of Pobl@Gwaith – an ESF (European Social Fund) training initiative run by the Pennaf Housing Group in partnership with Wales Council for Voluntary Action, he’s gone from constructing buildings to helping others build new lives for themselves. Jonathan completed their 13-week intensive course earlier this year and was offered a contract with Clwyd Alyn Housing Association to help out with standby relief cover as a project worker. He has worked on many developments, including supported living schemes for homeless young people in Denbighshire. "It really did all start when I tripped over my daughter’s shoes," said Jonathan. "Broken toes meant I couldn’t go back on the building site, and when they failed to heal I discovered that I have brittle bones. I had to face up to the fact that I wouldn’t be able to continue in construction. "The Pobl@Gwaith course was an ideal way of making a new start. It’s designed to help people who have difficulty in finding work, or who have been out of the workplace for some time, or people like myself who want to change direction and look at a career in the care and support sector. "I feel as if I’d spend years chasing money and tThis has given me a completely new direction. Here you can really make a difference. "I feel as if I am still in the building trade – but now I’m helping to build lives rather than houses." Pobl@Gwaith’s next training scheme will be based in Rhyl, starting on Monday. For further information telephone Bryn Stirrup on 01745 353957 or e-mail bryn.stirrup@clwydalyn.co.uk | 
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