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Returning To Work After Years Of Unemployment – Lynn’s story

Lynn Anderton

Lynn Anderton, from Kent, started a rewarding new job as a support worker for homeless people at the age of 62, after being unemployed for three years. She praised the support she received at her local jobcentre and mentioned how that has helped her to regain self-confidence.

While she had plenty of skills and experience, having worked in market research and been an Avon representative before training as a life coach, when work dried up and her marriage ended, she had to make a new start. “I had to find work for financial reasons, so I signed up for Universal Credit. At that point, my confidence was very low but with the support of my work coach I started running self-development workshops in a local business.” Lynn said.

Shortly after, she saw her current role advertised through the jobcentre and liked the idea of helping other people who’ve lost their confidence too. She applied for the job and was successful. “Getting back to work isn’t just about the money, it’s about feeling like yourself again,” she shares.  “My work is very rewarding when I see homeless people getting their own flat or becoming more independent. I can relate to people who don’t feel ready to do things, but sometimes it’s about taking your next steps and then confidence comes later.”

Feeling inspired by Lynn’s story?

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