Support from the Employment and Skills Pod
I worked in healthcare for over 10 years, but in recent years my mental health had suffered. I wanted to get back into work due to financial reasons but did not want to return to healthcare as the emotional cost and impact on my wellbeing was too high.
With the support of an Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) Officer from the Pod, I worked on understanding what motivates me and where my values lie in relation to work, completing a number of transferable skills exercises. We did a lot of work regarding my confidence and wellbeing, including reframing, resilience building, and future planning exercises, recognizing that routine and structure help me feel more grounded and in control.
The IAG helped me secure a volunteering role at a youth organisation and supported me to join an arts therapy group as a way of managing some of my mental health symptoms whilst being creative. I was supported to secure a work placement with a youth charity as a way of exploring youth work as a potential career change and to build confidence. I was also supported to prepare for several interviews. Although I was not appointed immediately, we used the feedback to help me improve my interview skills.
I have now secured a role as a part-time support worker for young people. I am really enjoying the role and the opportunity to be more creative. It felt really good to have someone who listened to my concerns and helped me find my way.