H2H Gives Jobseeker Confidence To Overcome Health Issues And Find Work
A jobseeker who struggled for years with severe back pain gains the confidence to apply for work with the help of her H2H Employment Development Coach.
Tina had been unemployed for 3 years before she arrived at Kennedy Scott's H2H centre. Her morale was low. Her husband was also looking for work and both longed to provide their 3 children with a long overdue holiday and presents.
However, she had a number of health issues relating to her back and legs. Her back problem meant that she could not stand or sit for longer than 30 minutes. Some days, she couldn't walk due to the pain. She had attended other places offering job search support but had been unsuccessful. This had lowered her confidence and she didn't know how to explain her situation to a potential employer. This was about to change...
Tina was attending Reed in Partnership where she met Chetna, Senior Employment Development Coach for KS Wembley. Chetna was providing outreach support working alongside Reed in Partnership advisers. Following the discussion, it was agreed by all that Tina should attend KS for additional support to help her with the challenges she faced.
Tina was helped and supported by Chetna who identified the support she needed. She was referred to the health and fitness instructor who over the next 6 months was able to help her to cope with her back problems. They worked on floor exercises to strengthen her legs and helped her manage the severe leg cramps she would get when sitting for long periods. They also analysed activities in the home which may have contributed to the problem. For example, they suggested that she change her vacuum cleaner to an upright one and this also made a difference! They were also able to help her by developing coping strategies and by making adjustments in her posture. Throughout this period, Chetna gave her advice on how to effectively handle discussions at interviews when the subject of health issues came up.
Tina had managed to gain enough confidence to be able to attend an interview. She wanted to work for a government department which required that she sat through an hour long test as part of the recruitment process. With the support she received and the confidence she now had, she was able to sit the test.
A few weeks later, she received a letter through the door stating that she had got the job! Tina, who only a short time ago felt that she was not able to work is now working full time and earning enough to make a real difference to her family who have since enjoyed a well earned holiday!
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