Case Study

Sammy feels like she’s ‘flying’ after landing new job

12 Dec 2022

Sammy from Skelmersdale took a much-needed break from work following the death of her husband. The 54-year-old, who had worked in care for over 32 years looking after both elderly people and children, was overwhelmed with grief. A year off helped build her strength back up but then she struggled to find a role that fitted around her two dogs.

“I found dealing with the grief of losing my husband a bit too much and I needed a break,” said Sammy. “When I knew I was absolutely ready, I started looking for work but it had to be the right job. I couldn’t do 12-hour shifts, I needed something that would give me a break during the day to see to my dogs, let them out and feed them.”

Sammy was referred by the Department for Work and Pensions to the Job Entry Targeted Support (JETS) programme, delivered in Merseyside by Ingeus. She was taken under the wing of employment coach Natalia Davies who worked hard to build Sammy’s confidence and prepare her for interviews.

“Interviews made me feel very nervous, so this really helped,” said Sammy. “I’m not very good at blowing my own trumpet, Natalia advised me that you have to do that as the other applicants will. She was lovely, she gave me loads of advice and supported me.”

Sammy first found a retail role but it didn’t suit her – her heart and skills lay in care work.
With more help from JETS, including financial assistance for a DBS check, she now has a job as a home carer, travelling to people who need assistance. She gives personal care which often includes helping people to wash and dress, administering medicine and making meals.
The role gives her time during the day to be with her dogs.

“Now I’m working, I’m absolutely flying, I love it,” said Sammy. “I am so much happier, and I’ve got more energy, I love having a purpose.”

Sammy, who in her spare time looks after her granddaughter and enjoys seeing family and friends, is very grateful to JETS, which is a separate strand of the Work and Health Programme (WHP).

“All the help and effort everybody has put into supporting me has been really amazing,” she added. “I have found Natalia to be a brilliant employment coach and don’t feel as though I have could have got through the difficult time I was having without the support from her and JETS.” 

JETS is commissioned and financed by the Department for Work and Pensions and deemed to be a European Social Fund match funded programme. Ingeus supports the delivery of JETS in the North West, Greater London, Greater Manchester, the North East and Central areas.