“The service helped me gain the confidence to get the help that I needed & get me back into work” – Ruby’s Story
Ruby* is 26 and lives with her family in Oldham. She was happily working at her local cinema until June 2024 when she had to take time off work for ill health. Ruby is autistic and struggles with anxiety from time to time, however her anxiety became overwhelming due to additional pressures at work. Due to being short staffed, Ruby was regularly being required to work longer hours than usual and her manager insisted she carry out duties which would normally be undertaken by multiple people.
Overwhelmed, her GP advised that Ruby take time away from work and recommended she speak with Groundwork’s Employment Coach, Gary. Gary’s role was to help bridge the gap between Ruby and her employer and help with the transition back to work.
Ruby and Gary first met at Oldham Library in July 2024 where Gary’s first goal, after getting to know each other, was to understand if Ruby wanted to return to her role. Ruby was keen to be back at the cinema but also nervous that the same conditions would occur again. From here, they worked together to outline a plan of what was required for her to be able to return to work.
Gary reached out to the cinema, initially by sending a letter and then following up with a phone call. The manager was very recipient to the support and was keen to help however possible to get Ruby back into work.
Often Groundwork Employment Coaches would sit in on a three-way meeting to help bridge the gap, however the cinema’s HR policy did not allow this. Instead, Ruby and Gary met a few more times at the library so that Ruby could prepare for her meeting. They discussed what reasonable adjustments could be requested and Gary helped build Ruby’s confidence in discussing these.
Ruby met with her manager in August 2024 and the meeting went well. They agreed to a phased return to work and some general principles which made her much more comfortable, including a maximum 7-hour shift.
A few weeks later Ruby received her fit note from the Doctor and was back at work. She was pleased to be working again and in conditions that meant she could stay healthy and well.
Gary kept in touch for a few weeks afterwards, checking that everything was going as they had agreed, and that Ruby was feeling well still. Ruby has now been back at work for over 6-months and is enjoying work again.
The service helped me gain the confidence to get the help that I needed and get me back into work. I am very grateful.
Ruby
* Name changed to protect identity
This support was made possible thanks to funding from the GMCA
