After building a successful career in retail and hospitality, Jane faced a life-altering challenge when she lost vision in one eye due to a medical condition. This unexpected obstacle not only impacted her ability to perform certain tasks efficiently but also heightened her reliance on others. Despite these hurdles, Jane’s determination to continue working never wavered. She knew she needed guidance to navigate her new reality and reached out to Conwy Employment Hub for support.
Upon contacting the Hub, Jane was paired with her own dedicated mentor, Gemma. From the outset, Gemma took the time to understand Jane’s current abilities, aspirations, and challenges through a comprehensive assessment. As they reviewed Jane’s career history, it became clear that her interpersonal skills, organisational abilities, and experience in fast-paced environments were powerful assets. Bolstered by this fresh perspective, Jane began to regain confidence and decided to pursue a career in administration.
A key part of Jane’s journey involved identifying the tools and resources that would help her excel in her new career. Gemma introduced Jane to Access to Work, a government programme that provides funding for assistive technologies such as screen readers, magnification software, and voice-to-text applications.
Gemma also shared information about the Disability Confident scheme, which encourages employers to embrace inclusivity and support disabled employees. This inspired Jane to focus her job search on organisations that champion accessibility and have a track record of creating inclusive workplaces.
Recognising that Jane’s CV needed to reflect her adaptability and proficiency with assistive technologies, Gemma reached out to Working Sense, a specialist employability programme offered by the Centre of Sight, Sense, and Sound (COS). This partnership provided Jane with access to tailored interventions, including confidence-building workshops and vocational training. The programme’s specialist Employer Engagement Coordinators are also actively connecting Jane to inclusive job opportunities.
Jane now attends Working Sense’s Job Club and continues to collaborate with Gemma and the team of specialists. With each step, she’s building the skills, confidence, and connections needed to secure a fulfilling administrative role.
Jane’s journey is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of the right support. With the combined efforts of Conwy Employment Hub and Working Sense, Jane is well on her way to achieving her goals and proving that setbacks can be a springboard to new beginnings.
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