Meet Plum and Jacqui, the 50-somethings who have both benefitted from the tailored employment support they have received in Norfolk. Here, they share their inspiring stories of regaining confidence
Almost 1,000 people who have disabilities or long-term health conditions have been supported to move into or stay in work through Working Well Norfolk. The scheme received nearly 3,000 referrals since launching in October 2023 and saw more than 2,200 people start on the programme. Of those, almost 1,000 were supported into employment or to stay in or return to their jobs, a success rate of 45% and above the national average of 38%. Alongside Working Well Norfolk, a more specialist Local Supported Employment programme supported 90 people — 48 of whom have also moved into work.
An event was recently held in Norwich to celebrate the success of both schemes and some of those who lives they have transformed shared their inspiring personal stories.
Plum Bristow, 50, had recently been diagnosed with autism when she started receiving support. She was struggling with feelings of shame and found it hard to understand and talk about her support needs.
“The project has given me space to process my experiences, understand myself better and become more comfortable asking for what I need,” she said. “Being heard is really powerful, so the confidence this project has given me has been absolutely brilliant. It’s about taking people to where they can actually thrive and where their brains can use their strengths.
“Now I’m still in a job I love, growing in confidence and learning to embrace autistic joy — which is why I proudly have Enid, my emotional support bear, in my front pocket!”
Jacqui Cowan, 54, had left the world of work to care for her parents who both suffered from dementia, and had lost her confidence. She was tearful as she spoke about how she had been supported.
“What it has done for me is give me the confidence and hope to achieve my dreams, and to actually believe in myself. Julie, my employment specialist, was there for me and helped me to rewrite my CV and to realise that there is more to me than my identity as a carer.
“I thought I would never be able to get a job because of my age, and I was nervous in interviews. But she did lots of mock interviews with me and I managed to get lots of interviews. So, what she has done Is absolutely incredible really.”
Norfolk County Council is now building on the achievements of both projects through Connect to Work. This programme is being delivered in conjunction with several partners and aims to support in excess of 4,000 people.
To find out how to access support via Connect to Work, please visit norfolk.gov.uk/workingwell or email connecttowork@norfolk.gov.uk
Featured image of (left to right) Plum and Jacqui supplied by Norfolk County Council
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