Following five years of working in retail, 23-year-old Imogen found herself looking for work after being diagnosed with epilepsy.
Struggling with her confidence, she was worried about approaching employers about the impacts of her condition, and her mental health was declining.
It was then she got in touch with YES Personal Development coach Lisa. Together, they started by identifying the type of work Imogen wanted to do, along with how her condition would affect her.
“I needed to ensure that any employer that was I was going to approach was going to be able to take into consideration my needs,” Imogen said. “In the past I have had negative experiences with some employers not quite understanding the impact of my epilepsy.”
Imogen and Lisa started to identify low-hour roles in her local area, with an interview at the Co-op coming up quickly.
Despite not feeling confident following the interview, Imogen was offered the job on a 12-hour-a-week contract.
Imogen then underwent further coaching with Lisa about how to approach her new employer regarding her needs.
“I feel that they have adapted well to my needs, particularly with regards to my memory, which isn’t great due to my epilepsy, by patiently providing me with written instructions for certain jobs that I have to perform within my role, in order for me to succeed in my role,” she added.
She also praised the support that Lisa had given, saying it reminder her she is capable of more than what she thinks.
Since starting the role last year, Imogen has had some health setback, but said the co-op have been incredibly understanding, and she’s still enjoying her job.
Find out more about our YES service here
Also read: ‘Inspire helped me believe I am capable of doing anything my heart desires’
‘Inspire’s YES team helped me turn my passion in to a business’
‘Inspire’s Yes programme allowed me to be me again’
