“Groundwork helped me set my mind to get into employment” – Gulshan’s Story

Gulshan from Rochdale worked in a variety of roles throughout her life, including as a medical receptionist, call centre advisor and translator. Determined to find fulfilling work she began a hairdressing course however this was cut short when her health problems began escalating.

Gulshan suffered with arthritis in her lower back which gave her chronic pain whenever she sat or stood for too long.

She took time off from work to rest and recover but the pain never went away full. Eight years later, Gulshan wanted to get out the house and find a career which gave her purpose, which would accommodate for her health conditions.

In September 2024, Gulshan met Groundwork Employment Coach Debasish after her GP recommended the IPS programme to her.

They met weekly to identify Gulshan’s skills and goals, develop her CV and apply for jobs. Gulshan became excited and motivated to find a career and applied for a role at university which she had dreamed about for some time.

Additionally, to this, Debasish encouraged Gulshan to consider returning to work. He shared an opportunity at Groundwork, explaining that she had some fantastic transferable skills to become an Employment Coach too.

Gulshan applied for the role and, within the same day, was invited for an interview. By the end of the week, she had been offered a full-time position with a start date the following week!

She was over the moon with the news. And to make things better, a few days later she received news from university that she had been accepted onto the health and social care course (which she plans to complete on evenings and weekends).

Gulshan has been working at Groundwork for 6 months. Being in work has diverted her mind away from her health concerns and provided her with opportunities to meet new people and feel less isolated.

Her manager is extremely impressed with her determination and Gulshan is smashing her targets and performing well in the role.

Groundwork helped me set my mind to get into employment when I really thought I couldn’t work with the health conditions I have. Now I am doing the same for others who are in the same position I was.

This support was made possible thanks to funding from the GMCA