T. Hale's Story

When I attended Women and Work I was desperate for any kind of help. In February 2010 my daughter had a major operation on her legs which enabled her to leave her wheelchair behind and suddenly become a young 17 year old with the whole world at her feet - literally. This left me feeling like I no longer had a purpose in life.

I was no longer a carer or full time Mum. I was so happy for my daughter but had lost my identity. Two weeks later my husband walked out, he wanted to be single with no commitments (male menopause I think). Ha!

So no longer a mum, no longer a carer, no longer a wife. Since the age of 17 this is all I have known. It was strange, scary, and lonely. I had no confidence or self worth. Get a job I thought this will help me. It will be a distraction, will help me meet new people, fill time, pay the bills. Sounds so easy. Not true. I found out the hard way! 102 refusals for work I received, and decided I needed help. So Women and Work jumped out at me from a leaflet. It took me two bad weeks before I walked through the door.

The lady on Reception was scary but once past her there was no going back. That was 12 weeks ago.

I have been offered 2 jobs. I have made new friends. I have learnt to deal with situations differently. I have learnt to respect myself. Take responsibility for my actions. I have learnt to recognise my own needs and wants independently of others. I dreaded the world before Women and Work. I now feel I am positive again and the course has made me a stronger, wiser person who can recognise I am responsible for myself and my actions. I now know I can relax without falling apart. I can control my life and world. The choices are all mine! Life is good. I know reading this you will think it is not a real story. I did when I read the folder on my first day, but this is true. It is not made up, I am real and I am now positive.

Gill, Avril and the Women & Work staff do help and can make us feel better about ourselves.

Trust them, they can help. They did with me. It is real - it helps!