The Return to Work Project at North Tyneside Carers’ Centre aims to support carers back into the work place, offer advice while in work and guidance around progression opportunities. We understand that as a carer you will experience more worries, stresses and concerns as you enter the workplace, whether you are new to the workplace or have been out of work for a long time.

Recently our Carers into Work Advisor, Stirling, supported Jane (not her real name) to explore her career aspirations and to secure an exciting new job offer. Jane has been involved with North Tyneside Carers’ Centre as a young carer since she was 12, now at 19, she is beginning to explore career options, alongside juggling caring responsibilities. She cares for her dad who has a spinal chord injury and her brother who has autism and ADHD. She is also a young parent to her two year old son. Previously she studied beauty therapy at college and gained passes in her GCSE’S at school, her long time ambition has always been to become a midwife. As many carers will understand, she often doubts her abilities and experiences anxiety around her competing responsibilities as a carer.

During our work with Jane, Stirling, supported her to recognise her own abilities and to improve her confidence in what she could do. Many carers often don’t know where to start when they begin looking for a job: Who do I call? How do I come across at interview? Will they like me? It can be a difficult and daunting experience. With support from the Return to Work Project, that is funded by North of the Tyne Combined Authority, Jane was able to explore different options available to her. She developed her confidence and Stirling offered support and guidance throughout the application process. During 1:1 sessions they discussed interview techniques, how to come across well to a prospective employer and tips to develop memorable presentations. She transformed into a carer who struggled to feel confident at interviews, to someone who was able to impress the employer so much, they invited her back for a second time.

Following a successful application, she attended an interview for a business administration apprenticeship, and was then offered a further interview for a better paid and permeant position, rather than the apprentice opportunity she had originally applied for. She accepted this offer and is now enjoying the demands and challenges of the workplace.

“I’m over the moon! Career progression seems amazing! Just so happy I got it and I couldn’t have done it without all your support, thank you so much,” she said.

Are you a carer looking for a job? Have you been out of work for a while and don’t know where to start, alongside managing your caring responsibilities? Do you want some advice about your rights in your current job?

Our Carers into Work Advisor, Stirling, is here to support you secure that next opportunity. You can find out more about the Return to Work Project by phoning (0191) 643 2298 or emailing: stirling.hood@ntcarers.co.uk.