Lucy's journey into employment

Inspired by the stories shared during Mencap’s Learning Disability Work Week last week (9-15 November), Lucy, who we support in North Somerset, got in touch to tell us about being employed and what it means to her.

Hello. My name is Lucy and today, I would like to talk to you about my two jobs.

I started my work placement at The Strawberry Line Cafe in 2010. The people who run the cafe help people with learning difficulties to get employment.

Building confidence

I have been building my confidence by travelling to work independently. I travel by train as my work is a cafe on platform 2 at Yatton train station.

I have been using the till and I also answer the phone and take messages for my manager. I check deliveries when I’m been told to. I have to wear a smart uniform and I get lots of pay.

In 2011, I started my second job at Tyntesfield, which is run by National Trust.

Access to Work

I travel to work to by taxi and I claim Access to Work so they pay me back for my taxis. I go to work independently but staff come with me if I have got training to do on the work laptop.

Before I start my shift, I have to clock in with my card and then clock out when I finish. I have been joining in with team talks and I have been given a buddy to help me have less stress at work.

I have to wear a work uniform with a name badge.

Really chuffed

It’s very important to me that I go to work to earn some money. I have enjoyed meeting people and training people for the cafe role. For me, it makes me really chuffed getting into a job role. I have learned new skills.

Lucy May Colman