Karen Harris from West Sussex feared she may never work again after two years of unemployment caused by her worsening disability. A serious digestive disorder and painful neck problems combined to make it very difficult for her to hold down a conventional job. Although she possessed a Masters degree in Environmental Management Systems, and applied frequently for jobs, the interviews all ended in failure and she began to despair.

Disability Employment Adviser Debbie Trend at her local Jobcentre Plus Office referred her to the Shaw Trust. Karen started on the Employment Opportunities Course, part of the European Social Fund’s Harder to Help Programme. Practical advice helped boost her confidence to set out once more into the jobs market. Karen also found financial support to pay her travel costs was invaluable as transport can be a problem for her.

Karen now has a job with HydeMartlet Housing Association, as a Rural Development Worker and enjoys working with communities around Chichester District: ‘I still need to be careful with my health, of course, but I’m really enjoying getting out and about working with people everyday and trying to help where I can. The Shaw Trust made all the difference.’