Terry has had a progressive disability throughout his adult life and this was compounded when he had a road traffic accident.

Terry said “I was unable to work whilst awaiting treatment and a spinal procedure. I attended The Disability Resource Centre as I had used them for several years for personal equipment. I had no idea of the extra services they were able to provide for disabled people in search of employment. 

One of their advisors suggested I might like to attend the Employability programme. I made an appointment to be assessed and he identified me as someone who may benefit from the Mindfulness course operating at that time before I started the back-to-work course.

I had been suffering from clinical depression following my accident and was low on self-esteem and self-confidence. I had life changing injuries and would be unable to perform my previous type of work.

I had no idea what the future may hold.

The Mindfulness course really helped me by improving my well-being and I was then ready to start the Employability programme and was encouraged to commence a Masters course in psychology. I enjoyed all aspects of the Employability course and learnt a lot about myself, improved my c.v. and widened my job search.

After about 8 weeks my tutor suggested I look for work voluntary work at a Bedfordshire College. So I applied and was accepted as a Learning Support Worker for English and Maths which I started every Wednesday. Almost immediately afterwards I saw an advert during my course from the PA Academy (run and administered by The Disability Resource Centre) and found suitable employment for 9 hours a week. I was then encouraged to apply for a job at The Disability Resource Centre itself, attended an interview and got the job, which also fits in with my other commitments.

I had never needed a C.V. in my professional life, formally apply for jobs or practice interview skills. I needed help desperately. But for the intervention of the tutors I would not have been able to realise my potential within the confines of my current disability. No one else had offered me any hope. I learnt new and exciting skills along the way, with expert advice from my tutors.

I received help for both mental health issues and my difficult road on the way back to employment. I have increased my work hours and I am very happy at The Disability Resource Centre and in my other personal assistant (PA) work and the volunteer role at Bedfordshire College”.

Note: We have changed the names and photos of our customers to protect their privacy.