H joined the Work and Health Programme (WHP) in early 2023, her main barriers to work were health related and she found it challenging to find a job whilst being an autistic person with dyspraxia and anxiety.
H wanted to share her story but asked to remain anonymous so we will refer to her as her initial.
Although H was low in confidence she felt comfortable confiding in her adviser James about her health issues and troubled childhood.
James supported H by signposting her to ‘Beating The Blues’ for cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and by setting her small obtainable goals like creating sector specific CV’s.
H found that this helped her to better manage her anxiety and to improve her confidence levels.
James and the team supported H’s general wellbeing and confidence by introducing her to positive reinforcement strategies and putting her in contact with their specialist recruitment adviser, this led H to several interviews and a job offer as a housekeeper which she gladly accepted.
Soppy stuff
H always knew that the housekeeper role was a starting point for her and with a fresh, positive mindset and high confidence she moved on to a new job that is better suited to her lifestyle and employment needs.
H’s journey on WHP has also been beneficial to her personal and social life, she has joined a local drama group which she is really enjoying and this is evident as she tells us; “You don’t realise at the time, but I can look back and see how far I’ve come.
“I’m just really thankful for the help and support that you’ve given me over the last year”.
H’s final message for us is one written in a card for her adviser James and it says “I’m really bad with the soppy stuff and writing coherently, but you have changed my life for the better and I can’t thank you enough”.
If H’s story has inspired you, follow this link to find out more about the Work and Health Programme.
