A young Wishaw couple got more than they bargained for when they took part in an innovative training and employment programme – finding true love as well as permanent jobs thanks to NHS Lanarkshire.

Gemma (29) and Ross (25) Johnstone are celebrating their first Valentine’s Day as Mr and Mrs after meeting at a night out to celebrate the success of Project Search Lanarkshire.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Project Search is a training and employment programme for young people with additional support needs. It combines a work-focused college course with on-the-job work experience in one of the three Lanarkshire University Hospitals – Hairmyres, Monklands, Wishaw.

Delivered in partnership with North and South Lanarkshire Councils, New College Lanarkshire, and facilities management providers ISS and Serco, the programme has supported 240 students in gaining valuable work experience as well as vital skills that will support them in future employment.

Gemma was part of the inaugural Project Search intake in 2010/11 after being told about the programme by her job coach. She completed her placements in what was then Wishaw General, working in medical records, practice development and training and library.

After graduating from Project Search, Gemma was successful in getting a job with NHS Lanarkshire as a data processor. She said: “Project Search showed me what I was good at and I liked being busy with lots to do. I enjoyed getting a job where I could help people out.”

It was during a Project Search night out in December 2013 that Ross first spotted Gemma and knew she was the girl for him. Ross took part in the programme in 2012/13, completing placements in Wishaw’s medical laboratories, mail room and porters’ room. After graduation, he successfully gained employment as a medical lab assistant at University Hospital Monklands – where he still works.

Speaking of their first meeting, Gemma said: “Ross sat down and asked lots of questions about me. He gave me lots of compliments about my hair, dress and jewellery before he asked me out. I said yes right away!”

Love blossomed for the pair and, four years later, Ross surprised Gemma with a marriage proposal on their anniversary. Ross said: “I invited Gemma round for dinner and we swapped anniversary cards. I told her to bring her card and open it upstairs as I had another present for her. At the end of my message in the card, I wrote ‘PS turn around’. When she did, I was down on one knee and asked her to marry me – she said yes.”

Gemma and Ross married at Dalziel Park on 7 July 2019 and had the best day of their lives before enjoying a honeymoon at Disneyland Paris.

Seven months on and enjoying married life, the new Mr and Mrs Johnstone are looking forward to celebrating their first Valentine’s Day as a married couple and heading off on holiday later in the year. And they know they have Project Search to thank for making it all possible.

Gemma – who now works as a clerical assistant within NHS Lanarkshire’s workforce team – said: “Project Search made me more independent, gave me lots more confidence and introduced me to my husband! I would tell everyone to go for it if they get a chance. It changed my life.”

Ross said: “If it wasn’t for Project Search, which opened up opportunities for me, I wouldn’t be working where I am. More importantly, I would never have met Gemma. I would say to anyone interested in taking part to get applying.”

Kay Sandilands, NHS Lanarkshire’s director of HR, said: “Gemma and Ross’s story is a really inspiring one. I’m proud our programme not only delivered employment opportunities for them, but brought the two of them together and created such a happy ending for their Project Search story.

“Of course, we can’t promise all our Project Search graduates will be as lucky as they have been in finding each other! However, we can promise that the Project Search experience will be positive, valuable and rewarding for each and every person who takes part.

“As we celebrate ten years of this life-changing programme, it’s fantastic to see the positive impact Project Search has had on the lives of so many young people, helping them on their future paths.

“My thanks to Gemma and Ross for sharing their Project Search story and I wish them all the best for married life.”

For further information on Project Search, visit www.dfnprojectsearch.org.