Buckie Salvation Army employment programme helps grandad get back to work
After more than four decades as a painter and decorator, a grandfather faced an uncertain future when arthritis forced him to give up the job he’d done for 42 years.
But thanks to The Salvation Army’s Employment Plus programme, Buckie resident Brian Milton, has found a new career - and a renewed sense of purpose.
The 61-year-old said: “In July two years ago, I started getting pain in my left knee, then it spread to my right. It turned out to be arthritis.
“I couldn’t work, so I went on Universal Credit, and they referred me to Cara at The Salvation Army.”
With the support of Employment Plus Development Coordinator Cara Kennie, Brian didn’t just get help with job searching; he learned entirely new skills.
He said: “I had no experience with computers at all.
“But Cara helped me learn computer skills, build a CV, and prepare for interviews. I actually looked forward to going there.”
Now six weeks into his new job as a support worker with Mears, Brian says he’s thriving.
He said: “I love working in the caring sector, I’m good at it. It’s completely different from what I did before, but it suits me. Mears has been great about my arthritis, too.”
He’s currently waiting for a double knee replacement but says that even with recovery on the horizon, he doesn’t plan to return to construction.
Brian added: “This time next year, I hope I’ll be back to normal, but I’ll be staying working in the care sector.”
Brian urges others in similar situations to seek help. “For anyone wondering about asking for help, just go along. It’s a nice place. Cara gave me lift and drive. Employment Plus is successful, I’m now back in the land of working people.”
Brian’s story was one of several celebrated at a recent community event hosted by The Salvation Army in Buckie on Wednesday, June 18.
Held at the New Street community hub, the event marked the impact of the Employment Plus programme, which supports people in finding work, learning new skills, accessing volunteering opportunities, and improving their wellbeing.
In the past year alone, Employment Plus in Buckie has helped 29 of its 58 service users, 50%, back into paid work, with another eight securing voluntary placements.
“Brian’s journey really sums up what we aim to do here at Employment Plus,” said Cara.
“He came to us after working as a painter and decorator for over 40 years. Arthritis in both knees and cataract issues meant he couldn’t do the job anymore, but he still wanted to work.
“The problem was that he didn’t have digital skills and wasn’t confident about starting over at 61.
“We began with the basics, computer training, building his CV, and giving him the tools to feel capable again.
“We even got him a laptop through the ReBoot programme so he could practise at home. With every step, his confidence grew. When he was ready, I helped him connect with Mears, and after preparing for the interview together, he landed the job.
“If anyone’s reading this and feels stuck or unsure where to turn, I’d just say, come along. Just take that first step. You’ll be welcomed, and we’ll walk the journey with you.”
As both a church and a charity, The Salvation Army plays a vital role in communities like Buckie, offering practical help and emotional support to people in need.
Alongside employment support, the Buckie branch runs a food bank and weekly drop-in sessions.
These services are led by church leaders John and Theresa Raffan, who work closely with Cara and the Employment Plus team.
“Employment Plus has been a real asset to our mission here in Buckie,” said John Raffan.
“The Welcome Wednesday Drop-In and our outreach work show how we can come together to support people through hardship and help them rebuild their lives.”
Employment Plus is part of The Salvation Army’s wider commitment to tackling poverty, homelessness, and social exclusion across the UK. With a person-centred, holistic approach, the service continues to change lives — one success story at a time.
