"Ingeus is a totally professional organisation, made so by an outstanding workforce. I now see my future in a much more positive light."
When Gary’s advisor at Nottingham Jobcentre Plus referred him to Ingeus’ Pathways to work programme , he had been on Incapacity Benefits for six months due to anxiety issues. At his first meeting with his Ingeus advisor, Alice, Gary explained that he had been receiving medical advice and was on medication for his anxiety, and he felt that he was now ready to return to work.
Alice and Gary discussed his work history, which included roles as a chef, a printer’s assistant, and a community care and support worker. Alice and Gary concluded that the common element that he had enjoyed in all of these roles was the hands-on aspect of the work, so they decided to focus on looking for manual work.
With this in mind, Alice worked with Gary to create an action plan that would give him the tools and support he would need to find and secure a lasting job. Alice helped Gary to create a CV that reflected his past experience and skills, and showed him how to use the computers, email, and internet facilities at Ingeus’ Job Station to look for vacancies and make applications. Alice worked with Gary to improve his interview skills, and arranged for him to attend mock interviews with other Ingeus advisors so that he felt comfortable and confident in different interview scenarios. Gary also met Ingeus’ occupational therapist and attended in-house workshops to help manage his health condition, which allowed him to feel more confident about dealing with his anxiety when he returned to work.
After a number of interviews, Gary was delighted to accept an offer of full-time work with as a logistic operative with a local hospital. Alice arranged a bus pass to cover Gary’s expenses in his first month of work, and continues to work closely with him as he makes the transition from benefits into work.
Gary says, “Ingeus is a totally professional organisation, made so by an outstanding workforce. The help, support, advice, and encouragement I have received from Ingeus has surpassed all of my expectations, and I now see my future in a much more positive light.”