CA’s resilience in the face of adversity

13 February

CA is a 44-year-old supported by the early intervention psychosis team. She was referred to me back in November 2023 and was previously supported by my colleague.

Previously CA had found work, but only for a short period of time. This became a reoccurring theme because of concern around her benefits payments and whether she would be able to cope without Universal Credit. Alongside all this, CA was attempting to complete her Security Industry Authority license but unfortunately failed most of the tests.

We met and agreed on a plan to return to paid employment, looking at what CA wanted to do, where she would like to work, and what she wanted to get out of a new role. CA liked the idea of working for Amazon after I shared information about the employer, which I gained from an Amazon representative at a recent job fair.

She loved the idea of transport being made easier for her (which was a struggle due to relying on public transport). As well as this, she loved the idea of going in, getting the job done and being able to leave work on time. This was her main goal. We decided to contact Amazon and see if we could land CA a role there. Due to their limited recruitment time, we were told that they wouldn’t be hiring for several months.

After some time, CA managed to find a role as a cleaner. We created an In Work Support Plan and CA was doing really well there. However, due to the early starts CA stopped going in and broke the news to me, which came as a shock. We were back to square one and came back to the main goal of working at Amazon.

I managed to reach out to my contact at Amazon where I discussed if we could get CA on board. This resulted in CA skipping the application process and getting an immediate start with the company. All we had to do was complete her DBS and Right To Work.

I implemented her Work Support Plan and made contact on a weekly basis during her commute to work. CA said her job was tough and demanding but she was determined to continue to improve her quality of life. CA still had her reservations about losing her universal credit, so we completed a better-off calculation. I then spoke to the local JCP and confirmed that CA would still be in receipt of most of her benefits, which she was happy about.

CA has now been employed since November 2024 and is flourishing. She has become more confident, proactive and in control of things around her. CA has received positive feedback from her employer as well as feedback passed on to me detailing how she is a great employee to have and that she gets all her tasks done.

Quote from CA:

“I cannot find the right words to describe how life changing Britton House and the IPS programme is. All I can say is I never spoke highly enough, and I wish I could express this more. However, it didn’t stop me from trying. Every day was a new battle to do the right thing by me and trying to be strong and it doesn’t matter how, I always seem to keep a smile.

I only had the best advice; I took every bit and adapted it to my lifestyle. Saying this, I didn’t exactly follow to a “T”, but I did my all my best even if I felt down. My experience has been long and solitary, so it does make it harder to want to keep my head up and no matter what, not give in. Without Briton House and the IPS programme, I would have suffered so much more and most definitely would not have the job I have today.

It’s a damn demanding role with its own benefits, having said that even if I don’t keep it, I tried. I was there I gave it my all but that’s not the end goal. I hope to stay on after new year but it’s a gift that I couldn’t have got without having that connection and the IPS programme. Together with the amazing people that I have met and helped me so much, I did change I can see it myself. I’m not saying it’s going to be easy, but it gets worse before it gets better, it cannot rain forever so even if its small steps, do it and I do it every day.

I hope whoever ever reads this is inspired and God bless, over and out”.

Quote from ES:

“It’s been such a joy to watch CA grow throughout this whole journey to find employment. She has welcomed all the advice and support with open arms and has always looked to better herself. CA is thriving in her new role, and it’s an amazing thing to see. Hearing the impact I have had, as well as the EIP team is so heartwarming. I am beyond proud of CA and how well she has settled into her role. This could never have been achieved without her determination and perseverance. Well done, CA!”

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