Tackling in-work Poverty Pembrokeshire (TPP) has supported and connected two well-suited participants, supporting the pair to return to employment after lockdown.

TPP which has been supported by the European Social Fund, through the Welsh Government, aims to improve the prospects and earning potential of people who experience the effects of in-work poverty, including disability or long-term absence from work. 

Lana Watkins, who has Down's syndrome and additional support needs, was a team member at her local Co-op in Kilgetty when the first Covid-19 lockdown began.

It was necessary to implement some extra support to help her ease more comfortably into the shop’s new Covid measures.

The TPP team were keen to support Lana so that she could return to a work environment that she loves.

Mary Howes (Quality and Performance Supervisor, TPP) offered Lana essential advice for her return to work and obtained funding for a support worker and travel costs from Access to Work, a Department of Work and Pensions initiative that provide workplace support for people with a disability or health condition.

With these accommodations in place, the team set about finding a suitable support worker for Lana.   

Fortunately, the team already had a suitable candidate in mind.

Jane Davies had been referred to the TPP project after a period of absence from her previous employment which, she described, had knocked her confidence.

Jane hoped to find an opportunity that would offer her a better work-life balance. With the help of Michelle Workman (Employment Liaison Officer, TPP), Jane had taken part in some in-house confidence-building sessions, where she identified her employment strengths.

Her development through this process and her relevant skillset made Jane the most suitable candidate for the role.

Jane and Lana formed a perfect match, and their pairing meant that both participants were able to return to employment.

David Darracott, manager of Kilgetty Co-op, said he is “delighted with the support, we are pleased to work in partnership with TPP to provide employment opportunities in the community” and that Jane has “fitted in well and is excellent at supporting Lana, who is a popular member of the Co-op store team here in the local community.”

Jane and Lana are both pleased with their return to employment.

Talking about her journey with TPP and Co-op Kilgetty, Jane says she “cannot praise (her) mentor and other staff members enough for all the help received” and she feels “so much more confident and valued.”

Lana shared a sentiment that many of us can relate to following the unfamiliarity of life in lockdown: “I am glad to be back in work with my friends”.

Employability Pembrokeshire is the single point of access for people looking to develop employment skills and get into work.

The team at Employability Pembrokeshire provide one-to-one support and additional provisions, including access to work applications and complementary therapies.

They also work in partnership with employers who can offer opportunities and initiatives, which can help people to develop skills needed for employment.

Employment can have a big impact on our wellbeing. Alongside improving income, employment can provide people with purpose and value, and improve social inclusion and connections with others.

It can be difficult for people to feel that they have value to offer and that change is possible, even in the face of barriers that feel too big to overcome.

If you are looking to improve your employment prospects please contact Employability Pembrokeshire for support: Tel - 01437 776609 or email - [email protected]