Unemployed gain confidence from work placements at local NHS trust

Eight unemployed Cumbrian people have gained valuable experience and confidence from work placements at Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. The Trust has been working with the Skills for Health Academy North West to provide work placements for people experiencing long-term unemployment in Cumbria.

The participants graduated from the programme this month, after 4 weeks training in college and a 10 week placement within the Trust. The placements were a great success with participants gaining experience and confidence in a work environment.

Alan Slater, from Brampton, worked with the Learning Network at Carleton Clinic. He said of the experience:

“I have been out of work for three years; I used to be an Orthopaedic Technician, but it was a small business and it closed down.  This course has really improved my confidence – people have said that they can see the difference in me. It really gets you down being on the dole – it was ok at first, but after time it dented my confidence.”

Emily Wearing, Human Resource Business Partner, explained::“We are delighted with the success of these placements. The design and content of the programme is based on the current recruitment needs of health and social care employers, which means that the people who have graduated from these placements have gained valuable skills to support them to secure future employment.

In addition to this programme, Cumbria Partnership is now also signed up to the Disability Two Ticks Commitment and the Mindful Employer network. The membership to these two networks will support the Trust with its commitment to actively support and encourage people with disabilities and mental health problems to gain employment within the healthcare setting.”

Mike Taylor, Chair of Cumbria Partnership, said:: “Cumbria Partnership currently employs over 4000 members of staff. As a large employer we have a duty to help local people gain the skills and experience needed to gain meaningful employment. It is important for people looking for jobs to keep their skills relevant to what is required by employers today. I think placements such as these are a great way to help local people to become more employable.”

Alan Slater, from Brampton, worked with the Learning Network at Carleton Clinic. He said of the experience:

“I very much enjoyed my placement – particularly being in a work environment and meeting new people. Everyone has been very helpful and supportive.

I have been out of work for three years; I used to be an Orthopaedic Technician, but it was a small business and it closed down.  This course has really improved my confidence – people have said that they can see the difference in me. It really gets you down being on the dole – it was ok at first, but after time it dented my confidence."

Serenity Whalen, from Carlisle, worked with the Community Mental Health Team at Portland House. She said of the experience:
“I really enjoyed working at Portland House. I was working on the admin side – doing general office tasks. My favourite part was meeting new people, such as the community psychiatric nurses and occupational therapists.

I have been out of work since 2009 – I have been applying for jobs since finishing my degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice. I currently volunteer for Banardos.

This placement has definitely improved my confidence – I used to be nervous about answering phones, but now this experience has forced me to overcome this. I am applying for jobs within the Trust because of this placement.”