“Work to me means being independent & being part of something” – Pat’s Story

For all her 35 + year working career Pat has worked at Lion’s Steel in Tameside. She started work there after her friend recommend her for a role and made such a good impression, she was made permanent. Over the years Pat has worked in a variety of roles from kitchen assistant to line operative.

In the back end of 2024, Pat was made redundant, as Lion’s Steel closed its Tameside site and relocated to the midlands.

Pat was left feeling lost, just a few years from retirement she had no idea how to get a new job as the world of work had changed so much and she’d never really had to apply for a formal job.

Employment Coach Ryan met with Pat in December 2024 after she was referred to the Working Well programme from Tameside Council.

Pat explained that she was keen to work but not sure where to start and feeling a bit cautious about arthritis in her knees. Ryan reassured her that she had lots of transferable skills, and he would be happy to help her update her CV and help her find a suitable new career.

Pat and Ryan met most weeks in a local Starbucks, enhancing Pat’s CV, applying for roles, running through mock interview questions and building up Pat’s confidence.

In February 2025 Pat became a cleaner at a local school, working a couple of hours a day.

At first, she was nervous about the change of environment and if the work would be OK on her knees but three weeks in and she’s really enjoying it.

Work to me means being independent and being part of something. I’ve really enjoyed getting back into a routine and meeting new people. Working with Ryan has given me confidence and has helped steer me in the right direction.

Ryan will continue to check in with Pat once a week with her for the next few months to ensure her physical and mental health are at their best when in work.

This support was made possible thanks to funding from the GMCA