Case Study

Coming from a close-knit family with five younger siblings has given Caitlin, from Kirkby in Merseyside, a caring mentality that she was always keen to utilise in work. Yet when a fledgling career in health and social care fell through – and a combination of undiagnosed ADHD and responsibilities at home took their toll – Caitlin hit a mental health low that resulted in five years out of work. 

Now the 25 year-old has the health and employment support to flourish and is helping children at a local nursery to do exactly the same. 

 

After tireless unsuccessful job searching, Caitlin had reached the ‘what’s the point’ stage when, in late 2023, she was referred by Jobcentre Plus to the Work and Health North West Pioneer programme, run by Ingeus. Specialist case workers assess participants’ interests and skills, sourcing local employers to provide supported learning-while-working jobs. 

 

“My case worker Damien suggested different job roles that might suit me,” explains Caitlin. “Following my formal ADHD diagnosis something just clicked, and we realised I needed a really active, stimulating job – Damien suggested working with children as I enjoy supporting my own brothers and sisters.” 

 

Caitlin also received mental health support from the Ingeus in-house health team and, with Damien’s reassurance, began her new job search with renewed vigour. When she successfully applied for an apprenticeship with an Ofsted outstanding local children’s nursey, Caitlin hit the jackpot. With Ingeus arranging for her past certificates to be forwarded from her college, funding an enhanced DBS check and her bus travel, Caitlin commenced work in September 2024. With in-work tutoring and hands-on training, she will qualify in Level 2 Early Years Childcare, specialising in special educational needs, in 2025. 

 

Caitlin truly values her work environment and teammates: “We’re outdoors most of the time and I love seeing the children develop and learn. I can spot, and support, their struggles too. My colleagues and tutor are very understanding of my condition and will repeat things to help me understand. I love being busy but can sometimes get overstimulated; it’s great to have Damien and my work colleagues to help iron out any challenges I feel.” 

  

Far from the mud kitchens and forest dens, exciting things are happening for Caitlin outside of work too: “I’m going on holiday to Spain this summer with my aunties. I’m so proud to be paying for myself for the first time ever. I never thought I’d find such a good job fit, with Ingeus’ help, everything is finally falling into place.”