"Future's Positive IPS Employment Support Service"

I had about 5 years out of work due to anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder and major depression. I was receiving ongoing support from the Rushcliffe Mental Health Team who were monitoring my use of different medications. The consultant put me in touch with Future's Positive IPS Employment Support Service. I met with Louise on a two-weekly basis. She was incredibly supportive of my goal to get back into part-time work. She helped me to update my CV, making it more relevant to the part-time work I was seeking, with further adjustments to be made for each new role.

Louise also taught me how to structure a Cover Letter, including how to disclose a disability should I choose to go down that path. I was aware that my confidence level was very low when it came to the interview stage. While that is still the case, Louise prepared me using the STAR technique in interviews. This prompted me to give clear, detailed answers to the interviewer's questions. Louise is very patient in her approach. This helped put me at ease during an anxiety triggering situation. She made me feel supported at this difficult time. At no point did I feel rushed to find employment, Louise allowed me to work at my pace.

I found a local job through a Facebook community group. I went for the interview armed with potential answers to questions Louise had prepared me for. Although the questions were slightly different, I was able to adjust my prepared answers to the interviewer's questions. I was offered the 15-hour job later that day. Louise's support definitely helped me secure this role.

I have always experienced high anxiety when starting out in a new job. This was no different. Unfortunately, Louise had to take some time off for surgery. She knew I was suffering anxiety in the new role, so had asked her manager, Jennifer, to reach out to me to supply support. She was very kind and helpful, offering to stay in touch while Louise was off work. Unfortunately I was laid off after a month working there. The employer had taken on three people at the same time, more than doubling the work force. Her accountant told her she had over-stretched herself financially. My high anxiety had made it difficult to retain information. Although I took notes the whole time, I wasn't able to pick up the role as fast as the other employees, one of which was working full-time and the other was half my age. 

I think I wasn't quite ready to take on a new job as my anxiety level incapacitated my ability to do the job. I have decided to take a break from job hunting activities and temporally take a break from receiving IPS Employment Support Service help. However, when I feel ready again, I will definitely ask my Consultant to put me in touch with Future's Positive. On this occasion I came across the role myself, however, I believe it will be a great advantage to be able to get Louise's (and her team's) support in finding potential employers. It would potentially be 'a foot in the door'. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Louise and her team for everything they did to help me find work. I look forward to working with you in the future.