Staff had planned to hold a party but, unfortunately, corona virus and lockdown restrictions got in the way. However, they have decided to celebrate in a different way, by reflecting on some of the challenges and successes the organisation has faced over the years.
“GET supports a group of diverse individuals who may have mental health issues, autism, learning difficulties, sensory impairments, physical disabilities or other health conditions,” a spokesperson for the charity explained.
“Each person is different – what they have in common is that they struggle to find or maintain work within a system that has been designed for non-disabled people.
Pictured: GET is encouraging local employers to become more inclusive.
“GET’s services are more in demand than they have ever been and although many employers are inclusive, the employment rate for disabled people and those with health conditions remains significantly lower than non-disabled people.”
The charity has shared the stories of some of its clients, who would like to inspire others struggling to find employment.
Anna
When Anna was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder in 2013, her life changed completely. Over six years she experienced many relapses, crises, and ‘trial and errors’ with medication. She was in denial and couldn’t accept that she had a mental health condition.
After taking time out from nursing in 2017, Anna feared how difficult it would be to return to her profession.
Pictured: Anna has been working at the MSG for nearly a year.
“The diagnosis and not being in my dream band six chemotherapy job that I once was in naturally knocked all my confidence,” she said. “I was once known for being a good nurse, but it seemed I was latterly known as being ‘Anna who had Bipolar’. I felt I was often looked at for my mental inability rather than my nursing ability.”
Anna first connected with Alex, her GET support worker, in November 2018. She spent time understanding Anna’s condition and the profession she hoped to return to, while supporting her with the practical aspects of finding and applying for jobs.
Nearly a year ago, Anna was able to put her nurse’s uniform back on again and began working with the Medical Specialist Group.
“Don’t be apprehensive about being supported by GET,” she continued. “There is no weakness in requiring their support. Managing to successfully hold down my nursing job has naturally improved my mental wellbeing and, consequently, my recovery has continued to go from strength to strength.”
Adie
Adie started working with GET a couple of years ago, as he needed to find a suitable workplace that was accessible for his wheelchair.
Pictured: Adie has been working at Waitrose for around two years.
His support worker arranged for him to meet a Waitrose team manager before applying for a role with the business, so he could look around and discuss the adjustments he would need in order to work there. Adie secured his role as a Waitrose Partner in November 2018.
“Being back in employment has helped me rebuild my confidence,” he said. “I really enjoy my job; interacting with customers, learning new skills and working with my colleagues.
“I would absolutely recommend GET whether you need a lot of support or a bit of guidance as they are always there and willing to help.”
Simon
Simon is registered blind and had been out of employment for some time before seeking support from GET.
Pictured: Simon has been promoted in his role at BWCI.
He explained to his support worker how his biggest barrier was that potential employers simply didn’t understand how his specialist software could work alongside their internal systems. But GET helped Simon secure a role as a Trainee Employment Benefits Administrator at BWCI.
Simon’s support worker went to work with him every day for a few weeks, so he could get to know his environment, learn the new systems and explore how his software interacted with them. She also helped Simon’s new colleagues understand how they could best support him moving forwards.
Since joining the company, Simon has been promoted and given a guide dog, Cyril, who goes to work with him every day.
George
When George reached out to GET, she had never worked before. Due to her disability, she struggled to make eye contact, answer questions, make conversation or sit through an entire meeting.
Pictured: George had never worked when she sought help from GET.
Three years later and George is in steady, full-time employment.
“Working with GET has completely turned my life around,” she said. “I feel so lucky to have had the chance to go on work experience placements and job trials to find out what I like to do and, more importantly, what I don’t like to do.
“Working with the team at GET has grown my confidence exponentially and I would barely recognise the person I was before I started working with them.”
Alex
Alex reached out to GET because he has difficulty reading and writing.
Pictured: Alex is in employment with Guernsey Electricity.
Becky, his support worker, helped him secure a short term, temporary role at Guernsey Electricity, which has now been extended to a two-year contract.
Becky is still on-hand to support Alex with any training so he keeps up to date with company procedures, and he recently received a £50 reward from Guernsey Electricity for his hard work over lockdown. His manager described the work as “hot and horrible”, but said Alex did it without complaint and to a high standard.
He decided to use his bonus to buy everyone in his team a bacon butty.