Return to work after caring: a real-life story

This post is the story of one individual who found sustainable employment following support from Shaw Trust, Carers in Hertfordshire, and Genius Within.

It is shared here in public anonymously for safety and privacy purposes.

Returning to work after a lengthy period of unpaid caring and bereavement is something many may face and it can be daunting. Coupled in my case with 4 years trying to secure a diagnostic assessment for Autism under the NHS and Right to Choose, it can seem even tougher.  

A few months back, Carers in Hertfordshire https://www.carersinherts.org.uk/ offered a training called ‘Finding Part-Time Work’. I signed up, thinking fake it ‘til you make it’.

The thoroughly inspiring session was facilitated by the Shaw Trust who were promoting a programme called ‘Pioneer’ which supports people who have been unpaid carers or who have a disability to return to part-time work, people not on employment-based benefits

I signed up to the scheme the next day and met my Support Manager a couple of weeks later, after a few simple checks.  

The support is person-centred in nature, funding may be available, support with physical and mental wellbeing as well as a range of online tools to assist with CV writing, job applications, interviews are all part of the programme, fortnightly follow-up meetings too. 

Having previously tried for 4 years for a diagnostic assessment for Autism, without success. I was keen to explore the Genius Within option which was put to me. In their words: 

What might it offer someone who had been in and out of employment; had had more than one career from novice to self-employed? Someone who, at best had had a chequered employment history through caring, teaching, technical writing and software testing. 

An initial screening call consisted of what seemed like interminable questions, posed by someone I had never met, over the telephone. My reservations were considerable but I went along with it. The written report, following the screening was positive and motivating. I hardly recognised myself! 

I was offered a place on their ‘Employable Genius Course’ and naturally accepted. 

The course – a revelation – 2 hourly sessions over 3 consecutive days, covering: 

These did not come from the presentation or facilitator alone. The facilitator was a positive, welcoming, accepting presence who created a safe space for participants to be themselves and to share their working experience and strategies. They ensured that the structure of the training was maintained and that each section dovetailed neatly into the next topic, while maintaining the pace of the work to be covered; the individuality of the contributions and the strengthening of the group connections. 

As a result, I am working my way through the notes and strategies, applying for jobs, putting creative ideas into practice and grateful, truly grateful for the support and encouragement that both the Shaw Trust and Genius Within offer. 

Each participant takes with them personalised learning and strategies. My own experience was that I felt welcome, energised, seen, heard and accepted; also that I need to talk more instead of writing; to clarify understanding and intentions verbally as writing lacks body language and tone. All experiences which would make interviews so much easier to face and jobs worth applying for. What can be practised in social settings and consolidated, can then be applied in the next workplace. 

I would recommend the Pioneer programme and Genius Within to anyone in a similar situation who wishes to return to work. Genius Within is not the only option, there are many more, ask the support manager.