Lucy’s Story
"Too many people focus on the future, but we still need to live for today, so I live life day by day"
In the Beginning….
Growing up with Dyslexia, teachers at school didn’t understand my condition so made me feel that I was the problem. This had a negative impact on my mental health, and I didn’t feel like I understood myself as a person.
When I was referred to Working for Health by my Job Centre Work Coach I was grieving as well as going through a diagnosis for ADHD and Autism.
How we helped you….
I was anxious about my first appointment so I took my mum with me. My Keyworker made us feel welcome, listening to what we both had to say. Sometimes I struggle to express myself which causes frustration, and I turn mute, but my Keyworker took time to get to know me, was empathetic of my personal life and mental health and made me feel like I could speak about my problems openly. For the first time, it felt like I was being heard, and he gave the impression that he was genuinely happy to speak to me rather than just because it was his job.
Appointments seemed like a choice not a chore with my Keyworker offering different options, so the sessions worked around us both instead of forcing me to commit to a set day and time. Working for Health didn’t set a timescale for completion and we moved along at my pace.
On the Inspire Programme my Keyworker helped me write a CV, apply for my Dumper Truck Licence, complete job applications as well as any other paperwork I needed help with.
Although I now have a job, I feel I could still reach out for support if I needed to. Working for Health were so supportive I wanted to stay and never leave!
The Future….
Right now, I’m still young and I don’t know where I’m going or what the future holds. I have lost so many people in my lifetime, and this has made me realise that life is too short. Too many people focus on the future, but we still need to live for today, so I live life day by day. Like everyone, I have dreams such as finding a job I love, travelling the world or attending certain events but life is happening now so I’m not looking too far ahead.
Thanks to Working for Health and the Inspire programme, I have a steady job that works around my mental health. Experience has taught me that opportunities will arise and when they do, I’ll seize them.