For Karen, finding work once felt out of reach. Living with anxiety and depression made the idea of getting a job feel impossible; until she connected with DurhamEnable.
With support from Job Coach Laura Crane, Karen joined DurhamEnable and began to work through the Supported Employment Model, where she received one-to-one coaching to help her explore her strengths, prepare for interviews, and find the right workplace fit.
How Karen Found Her Confidence Transcript.pdf
“It’s about getting to know that person through vocational profiling and matching them to a job that suits who they are,” Laura explains.
When Silver Tree Primary School advertised for a lunchtime supervisor, DurhamEnable reached out to Head Teacher Helen Grainger to discuss reasonable adjustments that could make the job interview more accessible, including sharing the questions beforehand.
Helen welcomed the idea.
“That led to us meeting Karen,” she says. “And we were really happy to support her through the process.”
Karen began with a short work experience placement. Within weeks, she was offered a casual contract, and soon after that, a permanent position.
“I’m very proud of myself for getting where I am,” says Karen. “I thought I’d never get a job, but I did. I’m over the moon.”
Now thriving in her role, Karen’s confidence soared.
“You can clearly see a massive difference in her,” says Laura. “She’s so happy, so dedicated, and the staff have really connected with her.”
Laura says it best:
“A disability doesn’t define a person. When you embrace inclusivity, you find committed, hardworking employees. And DurhamEnable is here to help ever step of the way.”
To learn more about Supported Employment and inclusive hiring, visit our Get in Touch page to start a conversation.
