Flintshire scheme sees single mum overcome barriers to secure her dream job 

Vicky Roberts landed a dream job and improved her mental wellbeing after successfully breaking down the barriers around disabilities thanks to crucial support from Working Sense.

The Centre of Sign-Sight-Sound’s Working Sense programme is designed to help those with disabilities, health issues, or a sensory loss up-skill and explore employment opportunities.

Despite having qualifications in childcare as well as food and hygiene, the single mum had struggled to enter the world of work and suffered from poor mental health due to difficulties communicating after being born deaf. 

The project provided Vicky with a dedicated employment advisor and wellbeing officer, helping to build her confidence, improve her CV, and register her with an employment agency.

Further bolstering her work opportunities, the project addressed Vicky’s digital exclusion issues by successfully signing her up to the ‘tablet loan scheme’ in Flint Library, making online job applications easier.

Through the programme, the Flintshire local was also encouraged to gain additional accreditations including OpenLearn’s children’s rights qualification, and a disclosure and barring service (DBS) certificate, enhancing her employment prospects and developing her digital skills. 

Vicky Roberts said: “Finding a local position that suited my needs and took into consideration my responsibilities as a mum was essential, so to secure a job that ticks both these boxes has been brilliant. 

“Before joining the scheme, I was unsure where or how to begin searching for jobs, however, with the support of Working Sense, I have been able to realise my full potential in a role I love.

“Overall, I feel like my confidence in my own ability has improved, and I couldn’t be more grateful to the scheme for the difference it has made to my life.”

Beyond securing employment, reducing Vicky’s anxiety and isolation was a priority for Working Sense, who suggested she attend Beginners Welsh at Holywell Library to strengthen her communication skills.

In addition, the Accessible Health Service at The Centre for Sign-Sight-Sound helped resolve Vicky’s challenge in accessing healthcare, allowing the teaching apprentice to secure an appointment with the Flintshire Adult Services Assessment Team.

“Since becoming a single parent, it’s admittedly been difficult to meet peers but attending the Welsh language group has enabled me to communicate regularly with others,” Vicky added

“Although I do still struggle with anxiety, being on the programme has given me chance to develop robust coping mechanisms so I feel stronger and more in control than before.”

Clare Lewis, the Centre of Sign-Sight-Sound’s Working Sense project delivery manager, said: “We exist to provide equal opportunities for those with disabilities or health issues, so seeing our work transform the lives of people like Vicky is incredibly rewarding. 

“No-one should be stigmatised because of their disabilities, so creating a clear action plan for individuals to learn new skills and build their self-esteem is essential to getting back on track. 

“Without Flintshire County Council allocating funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), the scheme wouldn’t be possible, so we are very thankful for the support.”

Working Sense received £142,210 from the UK government through Flintshire’s allocation of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. 

Councillor Chris Dolphin, cabinet member for economy, environment and climate, said: “Every individual matters, so projects like Working Sense are fantastic at ensuring no one is left behind.

“Making Flintshire a more welcoming and inclusive county is an important part of our agenda, and funding from the UKSPF has once again allowed us to get one step closer to our vision.”