Case Study

Aged just 19 at the time, Rebecca, who has a historic diagnosis of Asperger syndrome, was the youngest pastry chef to be employed at The Ivy Spinningfields in Manchester. She was supported in finding the role by the Working Well (Work and Health Programme) team, which offers tailored support to people with disabilities and health conditions who are seeking employment. Now 26, she’s still one of the youngest pastry chefs there, but her experience – and the support she receives – continues to grow. 

 

“I received my diagnosis of Asperger syndrome in my early teens when I was still at school,” recalls Rebecca. “Getting this job has helped me to challenge the stereotypes that some people have.  

“The Head Chef understands that my autism lets me see the finer detail in things, and they’ve been more than happy to let me try to do things which need that precision. I think seeing the work I do has changed people’s minds, realising that anyone can succeed if they have the right support – which is exactly what I’ve been given.” 

 

Initially out of work for more than a year, Rebecca was referred by her local Jobcentre Plus to Working Well (Work and Health Programme), delivered in Rochdale by Ingeus. From there she received help from her specialist key worker, who put together a tailored programme of support, including confidence-building workshops and practice job interviews. 

 

Attention from local media put Rebecca firmly in the spotlight as she started work. Since then, she’s also received recognition at the ERSA Employability Awards, where she was highly commended in the Significant Achievement category.  

 

Rebecca recalls, “I’ve so much to thank Ingeus for – they’ve built my confidence in so many different ways, especially preparing for interviews, which was really helpful as someone who isn’t neurotypical.  

 

“I also would never have imagined I’d have the confidence to appear on television – it was daunting knowing that ITV wanted to interview me, even more so as I had the Executive Chef in the same room while it was happening. But if I had the chance, I’d do it again!” 

 

While Ingeus helped Rebecca gain confidence in kickstarting her career, she puts much of her continued personal growth down to her colleagues and the support she receives in the workplace. 

 

“My colleagues on the pastry section, and the sous chefs, are very good at reading me – they know when I’m getting overwhelmed by things and understand when I need to take five minutes to calm down. They’re also very understanding with smaller things, like how I don’t necessarily make eye contact when I’m talking to them.  

 

“The Working Well programme really means a lot to me. It’s not only helped me to find my dream job but is inspiring others to realise that things can get done and that you can make something of yourself.”