Barbara’s Journey
Barbara carried out vital and important work as a live-in carer to an elderly gentleman, a role she enjoyed and felt gave her sense of purpose. In time, the gentleman passed away and Barbara found herself not just jobless but homeless too. Despite registering with the Job Centre, Barbara was unable to secure any employment due her to homeless status.
After having been given a place in a local hostel, Barbara came across information about NLET’s Health & Social Care Academy and the training they offered for people like her, particularly focused on care work. Barbara enrolled with NLET and began attending training in Health & Safety basics, Communications Skills and dementia Awareness. She achieved success in gaining her certificates, but just as importantly, found a new purpose and a growing confidence.
Barbara stated that she found all of the staff at NLET friendly and supportive, helping to boost her confidence and overcome her fear of the classroom environment. Barbara is looking forward to volunteering or community based roles to help in her retirement, and in feeling that sense of belonging and worth that she had before.