Hebburn mum thought she’d ‘never work again’ following long-term health conditions
A Hebburn mum is back in employment following 14 years out of work due to long-term health condition diagnosis.
A Hebburn mum is celebrating returning to employment after dealing with long-term health conditions for the last 14 years.
Amy Mercer’s conditions includes living with stoma, being in constant pain, having reduced mobility and frequent falls, which left her unable to work in her role as a trainee chef.
The 40-year-old became largely housebound and adaptions had to be made to her home to help her manage everyday life.
The mum-of-three stopped doing things that she’d once enjoyed because living with a stoma left her feeling self-conscious and anxious about how people would react.
‘It's really changed my life’
Three months ago, Amy joined a NHS-backed Aqua Circuit programme that is designed to help people overcome health barriers and get back to work.
The service helped Amy regain her confidence and she’s now set to start a new role as a care home cooking assistant.
Amy has praised the programme that has allowed her to get back into employment and also reduce the pain that she suffers due to her health issues.
She said: “After 14 years out of work because of my health, I'd lost my confidence and become housebound. Living with a stoma made me so self-conscious that I stopped doing the things I loved.
"Being in the water has got me moving again, I'm in less pain and I finally feel like myself again. Meeting people each week has made such a difference to my mental health too.
“I was struggling with my health and wasn't sure if I should take part. I'm so glad I did because it's really changed my life.
“Before I joined the programme, if you'd asked me whether I'd ever work again, I'd have said no.
“Now, for the first time in a long time, I feel like that's something I can look forward to.”
NHS WorkWell
Aqua Circuit is supported by the NHS's WorkWell programme, which helps people improve their health, stay in work or take positive steps towards returning to employment.
The £30million regional programme provides a network of health and work coaches to help people whose health is making it hard for them to work.
Dr Martin Weatherhead, a GP who played a leading role in designing the WorkWell programme, has praised Amy’s story for highlighting how the support can help people get back into work.
He commented: “Having a job, a steady income and feeling connected are good for our health. In our region, one person in five has a health condition that affects their ability to work.
"That's why we are working so hard to offer the kind of practical support that can improve health, feel better and stay in or return to work.
“Amy's story shows how practical, community-based support can transform people's lives, improving their health while taking positive steps towards staying in or returning to work.”
Proud to deliver the Aqua Circuit programme
WorkWell joins the NHS with voluntary organisations, employers, job support services and local authorities, including South Tyneside Council.
Tom Hall, South Tyneside’s Director of Public Health, added: “Amy's story is a wonderful example of how improving health and wellbeing with the right support can open the door to new opportunities and transform lives.
“We’re proud to be delivering the newly-designed Aqua Circuit programme and are delighted to hear of the improvements, including reduced levels, of pain, better sleep and more confidence, experienced by the participants.”