Jean gets a new lease of life - Jean Sweet, West Lothian

"When the job in St John's was advertised she convinced me to apply for it, being up front about my disability, and I got the job!"

ST JOHN'S Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian helped Jean Sweet back into work following a stroke.  Jean from Craigshill, Livingston, now works in the administration department in St John's Accident & Emergency Department.

 Jean said: "After the stroke I continued to work but gradually found my left side becoming weaker which made me struggle to do my job.  I lost confidence in myself and became really stressed, in the end I felt I had to leave my job.

 "I was unemployed for seven months before Livingston Job Centre put me in touch with Maureen Mancini from the Shaw Trust.  She helped me find voluntary work for a couple of mornings a week, which got me out meeting people again and increased my confidence.

 "When the job in St John's was advertised she convinced me to apply for it, being up front about my disability, and I got the job!"

 Jean is very enthusiastic about both her employer and Shaw Trust.  She said: "StJohn's has been super, they know my problems and have been really supportive.  They gave me a chance when I didn't think anyone would and Shaw Trust gave me the confidence to grab that chance".