Return To Work

The Return to Work programme closed on 30 June 2010. It ran from April 2008 and helped and encouraged over 140 people on Incapacity Benefit or Employment and Support Allowance in Eden and South Lakeland on their journey back to work; 30% had been on benefits for over 3 years, and many are still living with long term health issues. As a result of the programme 43 clients are now back in employment either full time or part time, 10 are working for themselves and 5 are doing voluntary work. The programme helped 62 clients undertake one or more training courses and many were helped with job searching, CVs, confidence building, accessing specialist help or equipment, travel expenses, clothes for work, and all sorts of other things that helped them on their way.

Case Studies

Name: Clare Farley
Location: Newton Reigny, Penrith

Previous work and experience: Clare worked with young people and in the public sector for over 17 years until ill health forced her to retire at the end of 2008. Pottery and ceramics have been a hobby for over 20 years, providing an ideal contrast to a busy and stressful job.

Name: Jacky York
Location: Kirkby Thore, Eden

Previous work and experience: Jacky worked in marketing for 25 years with senior roles in both consumer and industrial businesses, from confectionary to chemicals. She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and is currently Chair of the CIM’s Cumbrian group.

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 .

Name: Judith Sykes
Location: Kendal, South Lakes

Previous work and experience : Judith was a Human Resources Officer in a large chartered accountancy practice. She was responsible for a range of activities including graduate recruitment and associated organisation of events.

Name: Angela Woodward
Location: Kirkby Stephen, Eden

Previous work and experience: Angela had worked in a school kitchen as a midday assistant in the past but had been out of work and claiming benefits in recent years.