Midlands
"An in-work calculation confirmed that I would be financially better off if I moved from benefits into paid work."
When Joanne, 33, joined Ingeus’ Pathways to Work programme in December 2007, she had been on Incapacity Benefits for four months, and was suffering from an upper limb condition that left her unable to sit for long periods, use a computer, or lift and carry heavy objects.
When Joanne met her Ingeus employment advisor, Amandip, she explained that she had previously worked at in a call centre in a desk-based administration role. In addition to her physical health issues, Joanne was experiencing depression and a loss of self esteem, as she was no longer able to use her administrative skills in an office position.
To give Joanne a routine and sense of purpose, Amandip encouraged Joanne to come in to the Ingeus office each week for one-to-one meetings. He also arranged for Ingeus’ in-house physiotherapist, Laura, to conduct an ergonomic assessment and show Joanne how to position herself correctly to work at a desk.
Laura also developed an exercise programme for Joanne and enrolled her in Ingeus’ weekly Pilates and circuit training classes to help her build muscle strength and core stability. Joanne and Amandip conducted an in-work calculation to confirm that Joanne would be financially better off if she moved from benefits into paid work, and they discussed her skills and career aspirations.
Joanne had always been interested in singing, but was unsure how to make her hobby into a successful career. Amandip encouraged Joanne to pursue her goal of becoming a singer, and implemented a strategy to assist her to become self employed in this field.
Amandip arranged funding for Joanne to develop marketing materials so she could promote herself to various venues, and in July 2008 Joanne was delighted to find herself with a series of regular singing engagements at venues across the UK.
Laura says, "Over a few short months, I have seen Joanne go from strength to strength. Pathways to Work has given her the support she needed to turn her hobby into a lucrative career, and in addition to helping her overcome her health issues, her participation in our workshops and classes has helped her improve her social skills and confidence.”