Shaw Trust Helps Marion Find New Lease Of Life

Things seemed to be going from bad to worse for Boston woman Marion Flint who was struggling to return to the world of work after an accident ten years ago cut short her successful career in administration.

After enduring operations on her knee, which left her with walking problems she developed agoraphobia and her self confidence plummeted.

"I lost faith in myself," explains Marion, who with the support of husband Roy and was still determined to try and get back into work.

Everything changed for her when she was referred to national employment charity Shaw Trust and Development Officer Sue Birkhill-Robshaw came into her life.

"She was always so bubbly and I wasn't. The minute she walked through the door she'd got a smile on her face and it made you feel warm. It most definitely rubbed off on me," Marion says.

Now Marion has a job teaching more than 50 people at the Boston 's Haven Online ICT centre and she has nothing but praise for Sue and the Trust.

"The people at the Job Centre were fine but Shaw Trust gave me that extra something. I had someone to talk to. I didn't know if I would be able to work and they told me that if paid work wasn't right for me they would sort something else out," she said.

Marion joined a Work Preparation programme which lasts between four and 13 weeks and enables clients to try work with a local organisation or employer while remaining on benefits to see if it suits their needs.

"Sue found Haven Online for me and made all the arrangements but having someone with me at the interview was a 100% bonus. I had never worked with computers before but Sue guided me through my frustrations."

"At the beginning we met on a regular basis which gave me the chance to sit and talk about any problems or job interviews I may have had. I also knew I could call Sue if there were any immediate issues that needed to be addressed."

Marion began her placement for administrative work with Haven, based at the Haven High Technology College in Marian Road, in December 2005 and the following February, was taken on as a paid member of staff.

Today, still being supported by Shaw Trust on the Work Step project, she is still there, working 23 hours a week, teaching computer skills to a total of 51 students with disabilities.

"Sue gave me my life back. She gave me confidence in my abilities and helped me through my most difficult times."

Now Marion finds her agoraphobia has lessened and, even though she still has panic attacks, she was immediately able to contact advisor Terry Wellard at Shaw Trust for help and support. She also remains in constant contact with Sue.

"I absolutely love my job. We are about to get some software which will help blind people use a computer and I have got my first deaf student so my future holds more challenges and I am looking forward to facing each one knowing that, for now, Terry is with me in case I need support."

Sue Birkhill-Robshaw, commented: "Marion is an inspiration, she struggled almost every day to get where she wanted to be, but she has done it and can be so proud of herself, I know that I am proud of her, and it is Marion and people like her, who keep me inspired and happy in my job."

Sue has helped about 80 people through the Work Prep programme out of around 200 people the programme has helped in the Lincolnshire area.

"It gives you a real buzz when you help people. If you can just give them a little something that they can build on for later then that''s good too, it's just small steps but we're there for the distance."

The Trust which this year celebrates its 25th anniversary offers training and work opportunities to people disadvantaged in the labour market due to disability, ill health or social circumstances.

Editors Notes

1. For further details, please contact Shaw Trust Communication Manager Annemarie Taylor on 07815 946837 or Becky Gammon on 07779 784901 or you can email: crucialpr@shaw-trust.org.uk

2 . Shaw Trust is a national charity, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, which helps people with disability or disadvantage to find work and achieve independence. We do this not only by delivering government programmes, but also through our own self-funded initiatives, and by campaigning to change attitudes at all levels.

3. Shaw Trust has grown into a world-renowned international organisation, which over the years has supported nearly160, 000 disabled and disadvantaged people and helped some 50,000 of them into work.

4. Across the UK more than 1,200 staff now oversee a diverse range of more than 200 projects.

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