I was contacted by Melanie Ninama in relation to IPS Employment support, she advised that she would be able to help me and support me in finding work. I told her about what I had been through in my previous employment and how this had really knocked my confidence. I told her how it was important to work for an employer who was flexible to my needs and who understood why I could be the way that I am.

I started my journey with Melanie and IPS on the 11th of April, 2024. Following this, the support received has been amazing. I was contacted by Melanie on the 19th of April 2024 following appointments in relation to a library assistant role. Melanie knew how much I really wanted to work in a library, and she made this happen. Melanie helped me work on my CV where applicable, and she reviewed this, and I was grateful that this was done.

I submitted my application for the role with Melanie’s guidance. I was so pleased that a few days later I had an email come through to say I had an interview for the librarian role on the 30th of April.

I was over the moon about this as it was so important for me to get back to work as this is important for my recovery and my mental stability.

As soon as Melanie found out about my interview, she booked me in for interview preparation and we did mock interviews. She also sent me guidance for interviews and competency questions that I could be asked to aid me further in my preparation.

I then found out following the interview, about a week or so later, on the 10th of May, that I had got the role. I was so happy about this as I found the interview process a bit hard, but I made it through it. I am grateful that I have this library role. I start the role on the 3rd of June 2024, and I am so excited to be starting the role. The role is based in High Wycombe as I do not drive, which makes it so much easier for me to be able to get to. All the factors were taken into consideration, and it shows that Melanie really listened to me about what I wanted and needed. Its not easier to be able to get both. In addition to this, the role is part-time which is also what I was looking for.

I am so pleased that the support from Melanie does not stop there; she is supporting me while I am at work and providing me with appointments to check in on me, and I am grateful to know that this support exists and can last up to 52 weeks if needed.

I am feeling proud of how far I have come, and it’s nice to know that I have the support to help me achieve what I want.

Working in a library has been my dream, and I am so happy this was recognised by Melanie, and she made this happen.

The Client’s IPS Employment Specialist- Melanie Ninama

“The client is very motivated and strives for success. They are willing to listen and learn to better her future. They had lost her confidence through previous employment, however obtaining an interview for the new role which they had obtained and they now believe they can achieve what they puts her mind to and can overcome barriers when they puts her mind to it. This client is very creative and they are a skilful individual and they will thrive in their further. I am proud of how far they have come and I wish them all the best in their future.”