“I’m now working my way up to become a supervisor” – Carly & Dan’s Story

Background

Carly and Dan, a couple in their early 30s from Oldham, live together with their young child. Life hasn’t been easy for them lately. Both had careers in the NHS but were forced to leave after dealing with a challenging manager. It was a tough decision, but after a month out of work, their finances were stretched thin, and stress was mounting.

Carly had been through some difficult personal experiences over recent years, leaving her battling depression and anxiety. Dan, too, was struggling with similar challenges. Without much support from friends or family, they found themselves increasingly isolated and unsure of where to turn.

Working with Groundwork

That’s when a Disability Advisor from Oldham Council introduced them to Groundwork’s IPS programme, where they met Employment Coach Gary. Gary became a lifeline for both Carly and Dan, meeting them at Fitton Hill Library, close to their home. Carly was the first to connect with Gary, and Dan joined a few weeks later.

Financial worries

From the start, it was clear they were determined to get back to work. However, financial worries were weighing heavily on their minds. Gary knew his first step was to relieve some of their immediate stress. He carried out a ‘Better off in work’ calculation, which revealed that they were eligible for Jobseeker’s Allowance. He referred them to the right person at the Job Centre, who quickly processed their application.

Job search

With that sorted, the focus shifted to finding employment. Gary worked closely with Carly and Dan, helping them refine their CVs and navigate job search websites effectively. Thanks to this tailored support, it wasn’t long before opportunities began to emerge.

Both Carly and Dan secured interviews within weeks, and as such, Gary adjusted the sessions to focus on interview preparation. Recognizing their individual concerns, he helped them feel more confident by practicing potential scenarios and addressing their anxieties.

For Dan, Gary went the extra mile by linking him with the Working Wardrobe team at Get Oldham Working. They provided him with a smart, well-fitted suit and shoes for his interview, which gave him a real boost in confidence. Meanwhile, Gary supported Carly with her DBS application as she planned a career in childcare.

New career paths

Their hard work paid off. Carly was offered a role as an Early Years Support Worker, and Dan secured a position as a Caretaker. Both were thrilled to be back in work, but financial concerns lingered. To ease the transition, Gary helped cover the cost of their bus passes for the first month, removing another worry from their shoulders.

Today, Carly and Dan are thriving. They’re enjoying their roles and feeling more positive about life. Gary continues to check in with them, offering ongoing in-work support to ensure they remain happy and secure in their jobs. Dan is especially proud to share that he’s working his way up to becoming a supervisor, while Carly is finding fulfillment in her new career path.

Thanks to Groundwork’s IPS programme and Gary’s unwavering support, Carly and Dan have found stability and a brighter future for their family.