Currently employed as an Administrator for
Seetec in our Walsall employment and training centre, Melissa Jones
is confident, bright and friendly – definitely not the anxious and
nervous person who came through the doors as a customer in May to
enquire about the Pathways to Work programme.
Melissa is an inspiration to herself and
others as she suffers from Mixed Connective Tissue Disease which at
times has affected her life enormously. MCT is an autoimmune
disorder which means that her immune system mistakes normal,
healthy cells for intruders. As a result, healthy tissue in her
body is damaged, causing signs and symptoms of disease.
Hairdressing was Melissa’s real passion and
she knew from a very young age that this was going to be her chosen
career. She attended Walsall College for 2 years and gained
her NVQ level 1 and 2 in Hairdressing. But, unfortunately
despite all her efforts to become a hairdresser her illness kept
preventing her from being able to continue. The impact of this
realisation was devastating and she quickly plunged into
depression, losing her motivation and confidence. Melissa
found herself full of disappointment and anger, and lost her focus
in life resulting in being unemployed for 18
months.
Through a friend, she heard about the Pathways
to Work Programme and quickly made an appointment. Her health
condition was now manageable with the right medicine and with the
help of Employment Consultant, Bindy and Job Brokers, Carol and
Ulfat, Melissa was able to regain her confidence and refocus.
Armed with a new CV and some hot tips on job search, she started
hunting for a new job.
In the meantime, an administration vacancy
came up at the Walsall centre and Carol knew immediately that this
would suit Melissa. Melissa was successful at interview and
the rest is history.
Melissa said “I knew this job would be perfect
as everyone at Seetec had treated me brilliantly; they were
sympathetic and understanding but did not make my illness an issue.
I also have a lot in common with the other customers and can relate
to their circumstances”. Melissa started working 15 hours per
week under the Permitted Work rules and was recently offered the
opportunity to increase her hours to 20 per week. “I am no
longer receiving benefit and have found working to be really
beneficial; building my confidence, giving me my focus on life back
and a real purpose to living”.
If you would
like to find out more about Pathways to Work in the Black Country,
please click here.