One of Livewell’s healthcare assistants (HCA) has spoken of her joy at finding a job she loves, thanks to our Paid Work Placement Scheme after being unemployed for eight years.
Sarah Sellick was lacking in confidence, struggling to recognise her strengths when she visited the Job Centre in June.
She was encouraged by her work coach to speak to Steven Elford, our Future Recruitment Advisor about the Paid Work Placement Scheme at Livewell.
The scheme has been developed alongside the local Job Centres and Welfare to Work organisations and gives people a chance to gain work experience at Livewell with a potential to lead to permanent r]employment.
After their meeting, Sarah was given the opportunity to train and work as a HCA on Skylark Ward –the Stroke Rehabilitation Unit at Mount Gould Hospital.
Steven said: “Sarah had something she didn’t know she had. A kind personal attribute and caring nature along with a hidden determination, but I could see she had pretty much written herself off. All I asked her to do was listen. And she did.
“It’s important to remember when working in partnership with the Job Centres to find hidden gems like Sarah that we maintain momentum.
“It’s all about installing trust and building confidence and Sarah’s attitude and drive had given us as much confidence in her as she had in us.”
Sarah is now very much a part of the team and enjoying the challenges her role gives her.
She added: “I had pretty much put myself on the scrap heap. When you are not in work, your confidence just disappears. I had always wanted to get into care work and now that I am actually doing this, I wonder how I ever thought I couldn’t.”
James, Sarah’s work coach at the Job Centre said: “I believe Sarah’s story is a genuine example of how we can help people achieve their full potential by showing empathy and compassion when they most need it and by allowing them the chance to freely explore their goals so that they recognise where their strengths and skills truly lie.”
