Janet first heard about LoveWell when her support worker mentioned it and asked if she would like to apply to the Live and Work Well programme. Although hesitant, she decided to give it a go and filled in the referral form with her support worker.
‘I didn't really know what to expect, but I wanted to improve my skills build up my confidence by getting support through the programme. It looked like a really amazing opportunity to make positive changes in my life.’
Life had been tough for Janet, and things had not been going well for a number of years. Her children had been taken into care, and although she had good relationships with their carers, dealing with the aftermath of an abusive relationship and years of intervention from social services had left her with extremely low confidence. The experience of covid and not being able to see her children during the pandemic had also taken its toll, and the barriers Janet had to overcome to begin the programme seemed insurmountable.
‘The size of the group really helped, and the group felt balanced, they were supportive. We all looked after each other and the candle stuff was therapeutic. I couldn’t have coped with a bigger group.’
Within the first few weeks of starting the programme, Janet lost her mum. The relationship had been complicated, and she wasn’t able to see her mum before she died.
Life had been tough for Janet, and things had not been going well for a number of years. Her children had been taken into care, and although she had good relationships with their carers, dealing with the aftermath of an abusive relationship and years of intervention from social services had left her with extremely low confidence. The experience of covid and not being able to see her children during the pandemic had also taken its toll, and the barriers Janet had to overcome to begin the programme seemed insurmountable.
‘The size of the group really helped, and the group felt balanced, they were supportive. We all looked after each other and the candle stuff was therapeutic. I couldn’t have coped with a bigger group.’
Within the first few weeks of starting the programme, Janet lost her mum. The relationship had been complicated, and she wasn’t able to see her mum before she died.
‘I'm surprised I kept going. With the amazing team I found strength to continue with the programme and I really loved it.’
Through the support from the LoveWell team, Janet did keep coming, and continued to build her skills and confidence through the sessions.
‘I gained so many skills through attending the programme – patience being one of them! Being able to look within myself and learn about myself has been really valuable. Part of the work readiness training has included discovering
the skills, strengths and values that I have. This has been really valuable.’
the skills, strengths and values that I have. This has been really valuable.’
The programme offered Janet a safe space for her confidence to grow. It provided support and structure through the week during a time when things could have easily gone in another direction.
‘LoveWell is a really safe, supportive environment, an opportunity to learn. It is a
place to learn positive life skills to support you on your journey.’
place to learn positive life skills to support you on your journey.’
This year, Janet has had one of her children move back home with her. Although she is not yet actively looking for paid work at the moment, she has been volunteering with several local charities, including Lovewell. She now has hobbies friends and her kids back and we are so proud of her!