‘I love it’: Janet, who lives at our Worcester supported living service, gets a new job at a charity shop!

Janet, who is supported by Lifeways in her own apartment at Bedwardine Court, our Worcester supported living service, has secured a role at a local charity shop - and says she’s learning new skills to be more independent.

Janet, who is in her early thirties, moved to Bedwardine Court in 2019. She hadn't worked before. As Janet settled in, her confidence to try new things grew.

Now, one day a week, Janet has started a volunteer role at the British Heart Foundation charity shop in Worcester. The shop is a twenty-minute walk from the supported living service.

New skills

The new job enables Janet to fulfil two of her goals.  

“I wanted to help other people and learn new skills to be more independent,” says Janet.

When she first started, Janet found the training ‘tricky’. “But I have staff to support me while I do it,” she adds.

Now she’s getting used to the role, Janet is hoping to extend her hours to work longer at the shop - when she’s ready.

What’s the most important lesson Janet’s learned on the job? “To be patient and believe in myself,” she says.

‘This is huge’

Janet’s support team is delighted to have helped boost her independence. To help Janet prepare for the role, Helen, one of Janet’s support workers, held mock interviews with her for an entire week.

Rebecca Ballard, Service Manager at Bedwardine Court, says that Janet "has been working hard."

“This is huge for Janet. Over the past year, she’s been working to be in a place where she can now smash her goals.”

Does Janet enjoy the job? “I love it so far,” she says. “I am excited to learn more.”

It’s been great to support you to grow your independence, Janet!

 

About Bedwardine Court:

Located a mile away from Worcester’s centre, Bedwardine Court is a new-build property made up of 20 purpose-built one-bedroom apartments, each with an open-plan lounge, dining room and bathroom. Some of the apartments are wheelchair-accessible, and the service has an accessible shared garden.

The modern apartments at Bedwardine Court provide the perfect mix of independent living and collaborative community support. Living in this shared building means people can benefit from a vibrant network of friends and staff support while also having peace and quiet whenever they need it.

The service supports people with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, autism, acquired brain injuries, and mental health conditions.

Bedwardine Court is part of Lifeways.

About Lifeways:

Lifeways is the UK’s largest team of support professionals providing support for adults in the community.

We support adults with diverse and complex needs, including learning disabilities, autism, physical disabilities, acquired brain injuries, and mental health conditions. 

Find out more about how we change people's lives at: www.lifeways.co.uk  

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