A helping hand back to work in the NHS

After a period of working for the probation service, dealing with high-risk offenders in a hostel environment, Emily Tuttlebury experienced some trouble with her housing situation and found herself in temporary accommodation. As such, she wasn’t able to work until she was eventually able to secure a council house.

She had been unemployed for around eight months by this time and the Job Centre directed her to a Leicestershire Partnership Trust (LPT) SWAP course at Leicester College.

The NHS / LPT Sector Based Work Academy Programme (SWAP) Level 1 is a four-week programme for anyone (19+) who is interested in working in the NHS, offering support with completing applications for current LPT and wider NHS vacancies.

“I was told that you ‘could get a job at the end of it,’” says Emily. “It sounded too good to be true, but I’m so glad that I stuck it out. It’s been really useful. The course was so good and has helped me to feel confident again. I hadn’t worked for so long and it made me feel much better. It was really beneficial, meeting new people, doing something with my life.”

A choice of roles

Following completion of the course, Emily applied for, was interviewed for, and secured a role working in the Ophthalmology department in the NHS before moving on to another role as Administration Co-ordinator for the Secret Garden at Glenfield Hospital.

Set within the grounds of Glenfield Hospital, the Secret Garden is one-acre in size, hidden behind the walls of a Victorian walled garden which has been lovingly designed and restored from a derelict state. It’s open to staff, patients, families and the public during the week, with a café on site.

The garden needs constant maintenance and the team is also looking at developing a former tropical garden greenhouse area. Consequently, as well as helping to organise workshops, events, activities and a marquee for corporate events, part of Emily’s job is fundraising.

“It’s a busy job and really fulfilling. The job is everything I love – a real dream job for me!”

A life-changing experience

“Without the LPT SWAP course at Leicester College, I wouldn’t have this job in the NHS,” continues Emily. “We learned about corporate administration, issue resolution, customer service and internal communication, but the greatest benefit of all was careers advice, support with CVs and how to fill in NHS application forms.

“I would highly recommend the course. Even if people decide that the course is not for them, it’s a confidence booster. The tutors are so supportive, helpful, knowledgeable and bring their own sets of skills.

“I was particularly impressed that LPT people came in to talk to us directly and was inspired when hearing from a course learner from last year. The programme has really changed my life!”