Alison had not worked in a paid job for 20 years and spent much of that time caring for a relative, doing childcare and managing her own health conditions. She was struggling with arthritis, had reduced hearing in one ear and was experiencing anxiety and depression from being stuck at home because of the pandemic. She had lost a lot of confidence and was not sure where to begin when looking for work.
Alison’s job coach at the job centre referred her to the Work and Health Programme to get the guidance she needed. Alison wanted to focus on job searching as she felt this would make a difference to her confidence. Before her referral, she had done a temporary sorting and assembly role over Christmas. This gave her the assurance that finding a job was the right step.
Michelle helped Alison to update her CV and advised her to highlight her transferable skills. Alison felt a customer service role would suit her as she enjoyed talking to people. Michelle received information internally from her colleague about a part time role with Subway. It was at a local branch and the hours suited Alison. She applied for the role through Shaw Trust and was shortlisted for an interview.
With help from her support manager, Alison successfully completed the interview and was offered the role. The time from application to starting the role was much quicker than she expected, but while Alison was excited about getting started, she felt anxious due to being unable to afford new glasses that she needed for the role. However, as part of the Work and Health Programme, Michelle was able to organise financial support so Alison could buy new glasses and be ready for her first day.
Alison is enjoying the role at Subway very much and feels it has boosted her confidence. She enjoys interacting with other people and is often entrusted by her manager to work the lunch time shift on her own, which she likes.
What is the Work and Health Programme?
The Work and Health Programme is DWP’s contracted employment provision that will help persons who have a disability and specified disadvantaged groups to find sustained work. The Work and Health Programme will target those who are most likely to benefit from the additional support of the programme:
Participants with Disabilities, an ex-offender or offender, a carer an ex-carer, a homeless person, a member, former member of His Majesty’s (HM) Armed Forces, a partner of current or former Armed Forces personnel, a person for whom a drug/alcohol dependency (including a history of) presents a significant barrier to employment, a care leaver, a refugee, young people identified as being involved or at risk of being involved in gangs or serious violence, victims of domestic violence.
Click here to find out more about the Work and Health Programme and how to be referred.