In his role, Harry gets to regularly serve customers and help with a range of day-to-day tasks that keep the club running smoothly. 

Snooker has always been one of Harry’s biggest passions, so finding a job that’s connected to something he genuinely loves, and where he can pocket his own wages, has made this opportunity extra meaningful. 

Building confidence through work 

After impressing in a number of voluntary placements, this was a big break for Harry, with paid employment being a major goal for him. 

Alongside his job at the snooker club, Harry has also been gaining useful retail experience through volunteering at a charity shop. At the shop, he started out working behind the scenes helping with stock, but has now been taking on more customer-facing tasks on the shop floor and tills.  

Combined with his role at the snooker club, these experiences have helped him develop strong customer service, practical, and problem-solving skills, all of which will be invaluable as he works towards full-time employment. 

What everyone is saying

Harry’s job coach, Dave, highlighted why supported employment opportunities like this matter so much:  

“There’s not too many employers that are willing to offer someone with a disability a chance. So, the fact that the snooker club was so keen to get him on board and give him the opportunity to do something independently for himself is just really positive for him.” 

Harry’s now been working at Castle Snooker Club for several months, and gets to take on a wide range of responsibilities. Essentially, making sure customers fully enjoy their game. 

Talking about how it’s been going so far, Harry says: 

“I have learned to prepare and serve drinks to customers, maintain snooker cues, chalks and make sure customers have everything they need to play snooker to a high standard.  I was nervous at first, but now, I have learnt my job role and feel a lot more confident. I’m happy to be here and enjoy my work.” 

A valued member of the team 

Castle Snooker Club has become a bit of a safe space for Harry, thanks to the strong sense of community that has helped him feel more confident when interacting with customers. This has even made him want to gradually bump up his working hours. 

Haley Pugh, Manager at the snooker club, has known Harry for a long time and has seen first-hand how much this opportunity means to him: 

“He’s been coming to the club for six or seven years, and I’ve seen him grow so much in confidence, so I feel it’s better for him that he has whatever opportunities he can be given. It’s important that Harry has a job here because it’s good for his mental health, he knows the customers, and he plays in our snooker league. He has really benefitted from the independence that comes with it.” 

She also spoke about the value that he brings to the team: 

“Harry has a great work ethic – he always arrives on time for his shifts and gets on with the job. He brings a huge knowledge of snooker and has a good rapport with our regular customers. I think in the long run, he’ll gain social skills, communication, and confidence that will be beneficial for his future.” 

Dave’s even noticed a change in Harry since starting the role, and feels like he’s headed in the right direction: 

“When he first joined the snooker club, he was pretty shy and quiet, but he seems to be coming out of his shell and laughing a lot more and relaxing a little bit more. He’s just such a well-mannered, polite, smart young gentleman, and he’s come so far since he started working there.” 

Harry’s story is a great reminder of the difference the right job can make. We’re so incredibly proud of everything he’s achieved so far, and we can’t wait to see where his career journey takes him next. 

Learn more about our Supported Employment services; Supported employment – United Response