A Cornwall resident has recently been supported back into work and is now working in a care role.
Penny, aged 52 from Camborne, accessed the Health Works for Cornwall scheme having lost her confidence in the work-place after caring for a loved one who has now passed away.
She had spent 12 years caring for her husband and wanted to use the skills she had developed to help other people.
Cornwall Council has partnered with a number of Cornwall based organisations, including the NHS, various educational organisations and the voluntary sector to deliver the scheme.
(stock photo)
The Health Works coach worked with Penny to identify her strengths, skills and experiences. She then supported her with her digital skills which in turn helped her look for a role and apply online using the Proud to Care Cornwall website.
Penny said:
“This programme has been extremely helpful for me. Since the day I met the Health Works Change Coach she put me at ease and made me feel comfortable. It was ok for me to be worried and upset and I never felt judged by her at all. She was ever so supportive and helped me come out of my shell. It was due to this that I felt able to start looking for work.”
Cllr Barbara Ellenbroek, Cornwall Council cabinet member for children and families, said:
“Penny’s story shows how useful the Health Works for Cornwall service is. When you’ve been out of work for a while it can really knock your confidence, but this situation goes to show that a little bit of help and support can go a long way.
Cornwall Council cabinet member for adult social care and health, Cllr Andy Virr said:
“What is key here is recognising the huge amount of skills Penny gained while caring for her husband and how these skills can now be used to support others. Time and again we hear from people saying how rewarding they find working in care and I’m sure Penny will find some meaning in helping others in the way she helped her husband.”
For anyone who is looking for a bit of extra support in finding a job they can find out more by visiting the Health Works for Cornwall website.
For anyone interested in finding out more about a role in the care sector and would also like to see the jobs currently available on the Proud to Care Cornwall website.
The work of Proud to Care Cornwall and the Health Works for Cornwall project are part-funded by European Social Fund (ESF)
