Overcoming health barriers - Ian's story
Meet Ian
Ian joined Better Working Futures - our name for the Department for Work and Pension's Work and Health Programme - with the goal of finding physically active employment in the recycling industry, while also meeting new people and building his confidence. Following a brain injury sustained in a car accident and living with cerebral palsy, Ian felt that health-related challenges sometimes held him back from employment and affected his confidence in the workplace.
Despite these barriers, Ian brought a wealth of experience from previous roles in retail, cleaning, warehousing and care work. He was eager to use these transferable skills in a new role and work towards sustainable employment.
Our support
Working closely with Employment Adviser Vicky, Ian received personalised support to help him identify suitable job opportunities and build on his existing strengths. Through weekly appointments, they reviewed and tailored his CV to align with the recycling industry roles he was interested in pursuing.
To further develop his skills and confidence, Ian completed several Better Working Futures in-house courses, including Job Goals, Working with Others, Self-Awareness and a Refresh in Employment session with Skills Tutor Christine. These activities helped Ian develop his confidence, strengthen his employability skills and gain experience of working with others in a group setting.
It wasn't long before Ian's hard work began to pay off.
He was invited to interview for a Recycle Plant Operative role at his local recycling centre and, after taking part in mock interviews and practising interview questions with Vicky, he was offered the position.
While Ian was pleased to have secured employment, he soon realised that working in a large group within a fast-paced environment was not the right fit for him. With ongoing support from Vicky, they reflected on his experience and explored alternative roles that would better match his strengths, preferences and working style.
Vicky told us:
Ian continued to attend regular one to one supported job search sessions with me to improve on the skill sets required, including how to make a good impression, and the right tools to create a positive, mental attitude by taking part in group activities to develop confidence in how to work within a team.
Ian then secured an interview with his local council for a Litter Picker role, and he was successful!
Moving forward
Ian's new role provided a much better fit. As a Litter Picker, he was able to work independently throughout the day before rejoining his team at the end of his shift. The calmer environment suited him well, and he told the team that he felt listened to and settled in his new workplace.
Securing a role that matched both his skills and his preferred way of working has helped Ian build confidence, develop new friendships and enjoy a positive future in employment.
Ian shared:
I am so happy that I found my dream job, I’ve made lots of friends and have recently been invited to the races with the rest of the team. Since joining Better Working Futures, I have learnt how to calmly work with others, which has really helped me. A huge thank you to Vicky, Christine and the team in Bradford; they have all gone out of their way for me!
By continuing to work alongside Ian and adapting support to his individual needs, Better Working Futures helped him identify a role where he could thrive, leading to greater confidence, independence and long-term employment success.
