10 June 2025

 

Keira* spent time in a crisis home after a bad patch with her mental health. She was referred to Twining-Hestia where a career advisor gave her support on preparing for work and balancing it with her mental health. Here she tells us her story in her own words.

 

I was volunteering before studying long-term and short courses online whilst also pursuing creative hobbies. I was struggling a lot financially and wanted to find a job. After losing my job earlier that year in October 2024 I lacked confidence and was concerned about my future.

After a tough year, I spent just over a month in a crisis home after a very bad patch with my mental health. I really wanted to seek meaningful employment because of my financial struggles but I felt somewhat despondent. I was referred to Twining Enterprise from my psychiatrist in Barnet after recently moving to Colindale.

From the very first session, meeting Rahma, my career advisor at Twining-Hestia, I felt instantly better and encouraged. She gave me very useful tips about formulating my cover letter, interview skills and how to prepare for working life. She was very friendly, warm and caring. She advised me on; how to prepare for work, how to organised in the mornings, what to ask my manager and how to put my best foot forward at work whilst asking appropriate questions and reading and understanding policies and code of conduct.

"[Twining-Hestia] instill you with confidence, hope and are diligent and committed to helping you reach all your individual goals."

I took all of Rahma’s advice on board when doing job applications, interviewing professionally and how to appropriately disclose my mental health conditions. My career advisor was instrumental in helping me to lead a healthier lifestyle and offered practical advice for occupational therapy tips outside of work in preparation  for my job including tips surrounding exercise, eating healthy. I was also advised me to be well versed in reading staff meetings notes and applying for access to work funding and managing my morning and evening medication. My career advisor had good knowledge of laws surrounding mental health in employment which made it easier for me.

Currently I have a job as a nursery assistant part time with the aim of increasing my hours in the next coming months. Later on I want to do more relevant training in childcare. I want to complete my level 2 and level 3 in caring for children at college to upskill and enhance my understanding and commitment to working with children. I love learning and self-improvement.

I have come along way with my mental health since my time at the Crisis Home back in October 2024. I am currently stabilised on my medication and have sound vocational support.

If anyone like me who is reading this is finding it tough to find employment and has challenges and barriers with there mental health please don’t hesitate to refer yourself to Twining-Hestia. They instill you with confidence, hope and are diligent and committed to helping you reach all your individual goals. Finally Twining-Hestia offer you a tailored approach and work to try and fulfill your goals so you continue to thrive at work long term.

*Names and pictures changed to protect client anonymity.

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