A Cumbrian woman who overcame barriers to employment to become a bus driver has had her story highlighted by a Government Minister in the House of Lords.
Jennifer, who has learning difficulties and struggled with interviews, was supported by Connect to Work after finding it difficult to secure a job following college. With support from Inspira, she was helped through the interview process and connected with Stagecoach, where she is now working as a bus driver.
Her experience was highlighted by Baroness Sherlock, Minister of State at the Department for Work and Pensions, during a debate on the working-age welfare system on Tuesday [September 1].
Speaking about Connect to Work, Baroness Sherlock told the House of Lords: "I have been given some really interesting cases – some wonderful examples."
She went on to describe Jennifer's experience, saying she had left college and been unable to get a job before receiving help with interview support for a role with bus company Stagecoach.
Baroness Sherlock said: "Stagecoach wants to employ such individuals and regards her as a valuable employee, but once she is in the job, Connect to Work can carry on supporting her and make sure that she gets the continued support she needs to stay in it."
She added: "That is the way forward: to work with individuals and to find out what they most want to do. Jennifer is now a bus driver."
The Minister's comments come as Connect to Work continues to support people across Cumbria who face additional barriers to finding or staying in employment.
Will Stuart, Partnerships and Integration Manager for Connect to Work, said: "It's fantastic to see Jennifer's story being recognised in Parliament. It's a really good example of what Connect to Work is about.
"Getting someone into work is only part of it. The support around the individual and the employer can make a real difference, particularly for someone who might otherwise struggle to get through the door in the first place.
"Jennifer has done brilliantly, and it's great to see her story helping to show what can happen when the right support is there."
Jennifer said: "I joined Connect to Work because I got a lot of help in college and after that I struggled to get a job. There's a gap, there's no help out there for you."
She added: "Anyone that's been in my situation I would highly recommend Connect to Work."
Connect to Work is a locally delivered employment support programme backed by £11 million of Government funding secured by Cumbria Combined Authority. It provides personalised support for people who are disabled, have health conditions or face other complex barriers to employment, including support once someone has moved into work.
In Cumbria, the programme is delivered by Enterprising Cumbria, with Inspira as the lead delivery partner.
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