Name: Neil Filer
Location: Kendal, South Lakes
Previous work and experience : Neil had worked in the care sector before qualifying as a chef and working for Westmorland Limited in Cumbria .
Disability or incapacity : Neil suffered a stroke in August 2007 when he was in his early 30s. His sight, hearing and speech have all been unaffected but he is still weaker on the right side and walks with a stick. He has recently been diagnosed with MS.
“I was stunned to find three other men in their 30s on my ward after the stroke so I know that there are plenty of people out there coping with the after effects of stroke and wanting to get back into work of some kind.”
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Benefits of the CREA Return to Work scheme : Neil's incapacity adviser at Job Centre Plus suggested that he should make contact with the Shaw Trust and with CREA's Return to Work scheme. He has appreciated the combination of practical information and advice with caring support and counselling.
“I went into my first Return to Work meeting not knowing what to expect. Angela is optimistic but also realistic and she has made me think positively about what I can do and how to make it happen – she lifts the spirits. I am also impressed with how CREA helps to join up all the available schemes and services so that I can make the most of the opportunities that are available.”
Current status : Neil has been encouraged and funded to complete a Stage 1 counselling course at Kendal College and this is going well (as at March 2009). He is also looking for work, probably in the third sector with a voluntary organisation, so that he can work in parallel with his studies.
“The college course has been a brilliant boost to my confidence and I am thoroughly enjoying the reading and researching as well as the classes with other students. My motivation to get into this sort of work is much higher and I think my own experiences mean that I now have a lot more to offer as a counsellor.”
Future plans and hopes : The counselling course has been exactly what Neil wanted and he is already planning to complete an advanced course and then a Diploma in the coming months and years. Long term, he would like to work as a bereavement counsellor.
“Neil is a really positive young man who has not let his disability stop him from wanting to return to employment. He's realistic and very clear about his future aspirations - he stated from our first meeting that he did not want to return to work as a chef but would like to work in the care sector. We worked together looking at care vacancies, voluntary work and training courses. Neil is now attending a counselling course at Kendal College , which he is thoroughly enjoying. Working with Neil has been excellent - he is an optimistic person who will be an asset to the caring sector.”
Angela Staples , Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency
Contact Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency (CREA) Kendal office on 015397 26624 for further information on the Return to Work scheme and also for advice on business start up courses.
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