Before discovering Routes to Work, Atlas faced a significant struggle with isolation and depression.
Like many young people this was exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic and moving from Sweden to Scotland with their mother.
“How do I describe it?” Atlas says. “I basically sat in my bed doing nothing.
“It was partially because of Covid, and because I was quite severely depressed.”
Atlas' journey to Scotland began with a family decision to relocate for a better life.
They said: “My mother came over to Scotland one day, and she was like 'I love this place, I am moving.' So we moved in 2011.”
This move, however, did not immediately solve Atlas’ challenges.
The transition was tough, especially as they later moved to Bellshill during quarantine when their mother met a new partner.
Atlas sought support from charities to help them with their mental health, but was told that their autism was the cause of their depression.
In school, Atlas also struggled, as a member of the LGBTQ+ community attending a Catholic high school, but was helped by a few supportive teachers.
The pathway to Routes To Work opened through a referral by Skills Development Scotland, recognising their specific needs as a queer and disabled individual.
“I was actually referred to Routes To Work from my helper at Skills Development Scotland.
“They said that this will be good to find a job and build up confidence," Atlas explains.
This referral was a turning point, offering them a tailored support system that acknowledged their entire identity and supported their health and wellbeing, before trying to get them into meaningful employment.
That’s when Atlas met Jody, a caseworker skilled in handling the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.
Jody's approach to support greatly benefitted Atlas.
“It has been quite friendly, not super corporate which really helps me know that people are genuine,” they said.
“It is also good that Jody supports me with my disabilities... and my queer identity," they explain.
Atlas' story is a powerful illustration of why Routes To Work was awarded the LGBT Charter Silver Status.
Their experiences highlight the organisation's commitment to inclusivity and tailored support, crucial for vulnerable youths in the LGBTQ+ community.
The Silver Status is not just a recognition of the support structures in place but also of the real-life impact these structures have on individuals like Atlas.
Talking about next steps, Atlas ranked how confident they are about going into the working world: "I am probably an eight or nine out of ten. I was probably one or two at the start of my time with Routes To Work.
“People believe in me now. I will be able to be a bit more independent. I will be able to work, and be around those environments."
Atlas' engagement with Routes To Work not only improved their personal wellbeing but also equipped them with the confidence to pursue future aspirations, possibly studying architecture or mythology.
Atlas has even felt the confidence to go back to Sweden for the summer and work as a nanny, something which they would not have been able to do without Jody’s support.
You can read more about our new LGBT Charter Silver Status in this blog: