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NHS gets a LIFT

Published: 30/06/2017

A local woman has attended a 6 week placement thanks to Flintshire County Council’s LIFT programme. Lisa Jones from Connah’s Quay registered with LIFT in 2016 and has been unemployed for 4 years. She is currently on a Work Volunteer Placement at Deeside Community in the role of Health Care Assistant. Lisa was signposted to the Successful Step into Work programme run by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) as she expressed an interest in Health and Care. In preparation for her volunteer placement Lisa undertook training at Wrexham Maelor Hopsital and completed her NHS Passport as well as e learning arranged by BCUHB. Of her time with Lift Lisa said: “I had a passion to work for the NHS as I have always wanted to become a nurse. Myself and my husband Cliff who is shortly to start work as a Taxi Driver thanks to Lift, have been stay at home parents looking after our 7 children. We both found it difficult to get back into work but thanks to Lift, who encouraged and prepared us both, this now feels possible. I would never have been given this opportunity if it wasn’t for Lift and BCUHB and the one to one support given.” Flintshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Councillor Derek Butler, said: “Lift Flintshire is a fantastic programme helping people who have been out of work for six months or more by giving them the confidence and training they need to follow their chosen career paths. Three people started placements this year as Health Care Assistants and a Porter at Holywell and Deeside Community Hospitals and Wrexham Maelor Hospital. The next cohort of nine clients are already progressing well with their training and have attended 2 NHS workshops.” Mandy Hughes, BCUHB Workforce Modernisation Manager, said: “We are committed to providing supported work placements to those currently furthest from the job market through the Step into Work Programme. The Health Board is pleased at the success of the partnerships that support the programme and are working with the Job Centre, Communities First, Esgyn Lift and Agoriad, who all provide extended support to the adult volunteers. The programme works to support people in to long time employment. “ BCUHB Workforce & Organisational Development and Lift Flintshire work in partnership to ensure clients achieve a smooth pathway through the Step into Work programme. 3 dates for the next ice breaker sessions have already been arranged these are: Thursday 3 August 9am-12pm Thursday 12 October 9am-12pm Thursday 16 November 9am-12pm Venue: The Old Court House, Church Street, Flint To book onto one of the above sessions, please call Clive or Debbie on 01244 846090. Photo: Debbie Barker - LIFT Mentor, Lisa Jones, Staff Nurse Heidi Graham, Health Care Support Worker Anna Tapworth and Clive Rowland - LIFT Mentor