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I am a single mum with two daughters aged 8 and 16. I have previously been married but I am now divorced. It was a very difficult, abusive, and unhappy marriage. I suffer from anxiety and depression and Post Traumatic stress Disorder (PTSD). I take medication to manage my condition. My doctor has previously signed me off from job searching due to my ill health.
Sue London from Cambridge City Council me to Jo, an Outreach Employment Advisor for help and support with returning to work.
We discussed that I had previously worked in the areas of Care Work, Catering and Cleaning and that I wanted to work part-time to fit in with my school-aged children. Jo helped me write my CV (I have never had one before). We discussed that I would return to work once my doctor had advised I was fit to return to work.
While I was signed off sick for 8 weeks by my doctor, Jo and I discussed activities to increase my confidence and wellbeing. Jo encouraged me to start attending Cambridge Women’s Resources Centre’s Coffee Mornings on Wednesday. We discussed that I would attend this at their Centre (rather than the Zoom Coffee mornings). We discussed getting out and talking to other people had a very positive affect on my wellbeing and mental health. I also attended other activities at the Centre, including their weekly walk. Soon after, I started attending a Read Easy course one day a week to improve my literacy skills. This really helped build my confidence and sense of achievement.
Following this period, of rebuilding my health and wellbeing, I felt ready to return to work part-time. I register with Indeed to search for part-time jobs in Catering. I wanted a flexible job to fit around my daughters. Following a lot of job searching, I have now found a part-time job as a Kitchen Porter at Abbey Football Stadium. I work 25 hours a week.
I really appreciate all the help and support Jo has provided. It has been good having meetings where I felt I had time and space to talk and go at my own pace – looking at my options – looking at what was out there.
It is great to be earning money, particularly with Christmas coming. It is very good to have returned to work. I enjoy the structure and routine that work provides. I enjoy the social side too and working with a team of people I like and get on with. I enjoy working in a Kitchen environment and would like to develop and progress in this area of work.
The participant sharing this case study wished to remain anonymous and for the piece not to use their name.
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