Getting work and being included

I'm David and I live in Peebles.

I have 2 jobs. Some times I work as a co-trainer with a training organisation that works all over the country. But it isn't all the time.

I also work at Interest Link. This used to be a volunteer job, but now I am paid. I work with the Tweeddale Co-ordinator as co-trainer for new volunteers. I do this every week unless I am away.

I get paid good money for being a trainer. It is important that I get paid. It recognises that I am a qualified coach and I get paid the same as the other people who do that job.

I do a lot of travelling with my job. I went to Aberdeen and I go to Edinburgh a lot. Sometimes it means staying overnight in a hotel.

Each time I do work as a trainer, I have to get the money side all sorted out. It is a lot simpler for most disabled people if they do a job that happens every week.

The money side is complicated. The Ways 2 Work [employment support project] people helped me with my benefits. Before, my income support was stopped and it was a nightmare getting it started again. Now, when I earn money they take some money off my benefits but I still keep the rest. There is someone at Ways 2 Work who knows me now and knows the situation. She is a big help to me.