"The support I have received from my employment specialist"

I had been off work for many months due to my mental health. I was offered the support from an Employment Specialist. Initially I agreed to this support reluctantly thinking I'm already in employment why would I need their help (mistakingly thinking it was to help me find work) but also didn't want to decline any support.

I received a phone call within a week or so and Tina introduced herself. That phone call changed my perception instantly and I looked forward to meeting her in person the following week. She was kind and her approach with me on the phone instantly made me feel like I wanted to meet with her in person and see what support she had to offer.

Admittedly I was still very anxious on the day as I was meeting a new person. However, since that first visit I have had nothing but amazing support from Tina. She is so down to earth that you forget you're talking to a professional she made me feel at ease from the start. There have been times where we have gone off topic but for me that helped me to relax and be more open. It's never felt like a tick box exercise or that she's only here because she has to be here. I genuinely felt that Tina wanted to be here to help me. Which is definitely not something that I have experienced in the past.

With the help of Tina I have been able to come up with strategies to help break down barriers within my job role and have found a new confidence in myself to approach my employer and say what I need in place to be able to return to work.

This is something I could never have seen myself doing before! I now have a return to work date in place and feel confident about this. Tina has reassured me that she will remain supporting me for a little longer whilst in work to make sure things go smoothly.

Thank you so much Tina for being in my corner! Forever grateful.