Hi, my name is Oonagh and I work as a medical secretary.
I have always struggled with my mental health having been diagnosed with depression and anxiety.
When I first started in this post, I struggled to fit in and found social interactions awkward – either
oversharing or completely misreading the situation. I have always found social interactions
uncomfortable and found I would often leave work wound tighter than a spring. My weekends
would be filled with anxiety about the week past and further anxiety about the week ahead.
This lead to tensions with my colleagues and managers and ultimately a lot of sickness related to
stress. I was referred to Workable N.I. by my manager after several periods of sickness and
communication struggles with my manager.
I was not familiar with Workable N.I. at all and really was not sure exactly what this referral would
achieve but I went into it with an open mind and a desperate need for help.
Around this time, I received an official diagnosis of Autism, which was both a relief and a struggle
knowing that there was a valid reason for why I was not able to cope. At my diagnosis, I was told I
would go through a rollercoaster of emotion from grief, acceptance, anger and frustration. This was
so true.
When I first met my caseworker, it was nice to have someone neutral to understand what difficulties
I was facing. Someone to collect the facts I was trying to present to my manager without the
dysregulated emotions.
My entire work environment had become very hostile, my colleagues had no understanding of my
behaviour or diagnosis and I was struggling to communicate with them whilst regulating my
emotions and distress. I felt I was becoming isolated and picked on by my colleagues.
My caseworker Robert was able to communicate with my managers my needs and help them
understand the affect the stress and my frustration was having on me and the effect this was having
on my colleagues. Through Workable N.I. I was able to access therapies, ASD Coaching and ASD
awareness training for my colleagues.
This really helped me not only cope with my current situation but also address long buried traumas
that I had been avoiding processing.
After moving from a large open plan office with 11 secretaries into a small side office on my own I
feel so much more relaxed at work. I am able to focus on what I am doing and learn a new computer
system that has been rolled out to all the NHS Trusts in Northern Ireland. I had not realised myself
the impact the larger office had been having on me until moving into a quieter space.
I now have a healthy work life balance and no longer go home feeling sick with anxiety and stress.
My sickness record has vastly improved and generally my interactions with my colleagues and
management are easier and the hostility is no longer so palpable.
I know Robert is just a phone call away if I need to get a different perspective on something that I
have not understood.
Without Workable N.I. I would not have recognised the full extent of the issues I had and would not
have been able to articulate them to my managers.
I would highly recommend anyone in a similar situation as myself to contact Workable N.I. and
strongly believe that without the support from Workable N.I. I would have either completely burnt
myself out or left a job that I very much love.
I am now able to come into work without anxiety, I can communicate with my colleagues but do not
feel I have to join in with awkward social interactions and most importantly, I go home and am able
to leave work at work

I found the program very useful and supportive. Having someone to discuss problems with
and voice concerns provided a great framework to navigate the issues. Feeling heard was a
vital part of this. I felt that I was not alone, and it helped me to develop strategies to deal with
any issues. It also helped me recognise signs that I was struggling and how to get additional
help. I would definitely recommend the program to anyone struggling to deal with issues that
impact their work capabilities.
Customer Support Administrator

I was referred to the Workable programme from the Condition Management Programme to help with my return to work with Long Covid.

I found the Workable Programme a great help and very supportive throughout my time on it.

I had a difficult start to my return to work with a lack of understanding of my condition in the workplace and difficulty having work related adjustments that Occupational Health had recommended to be implemented on returning to my job after a long-term sick absence.

Without the invaluable support and guidance from my Employment Support Officer, I would not have been able to remain working during this very difficult time. My Employment Support Officer went above and beyond to help and support me through this very stressful time.

I highly recommend the Workable Programme and feel that what they provide and do helped me to remain working. I now have the adjustments that I needed put in place and I can enjoy working and being a productive employee once again.

David joined NOW Group’s employment service in early 2024, securing his first paid role with Musgrave Marketplace in Duncrue. He became part of Workable in May 2024, where he has made excellent use of the support provided, while also receiving outstanding guidance from colleagues and management to ensure his success in his role. In November 2024, David was promoted to the position of Forecourt Monitor, recognizing his exceptional customer service skills. This new role allows him to engage with Musgrave’s customers, delivering a positive experience even before they enter the store. Additionally, David has taken advantage of NOW Group’s Training Team, expressing a desire to complete his Maths Essential Skills qualification to further enhance his skill set. David has been a valued member of the program and, with the continued support of Workable NI and NOW Group, is expected to continue growing and thriving in his career.

Aisling first became aware of the NOW Group after a referral From Disability Action.

Aisling initially received support from a NOW Group Employment Officer based in the County Armagh area who helped Aisling to put together a CV, as well as helping Aisling to identify suitable job opportunities in her area.

Aisling had some previous work experience working in a local fast-food takeaway where she had been responsible for cleaning the takeaway, as well as preparing food and serving customers.

Given her previous experience of cleaning in the fast-food takeaway, Aisling identified a part-time cleaning role for Libraries NI in their Armagh Regional Administration Centre in Armagh City. Aisling applied for the role and was called to attend an interview in Banbridge. Despite having to travel from South Armagh to Banbridge, as well as being nervous in advance of what was Aisling’s first formal job interview, Aisling was successful in her application.

Aisling began working for Libraries NI in April 2023. As this was Aisling’s first paid role in over 2 years, she decided to apply for some ‘in-work’ support through the Workable NI programme, delivered by the NOW Group, to help her settle back into working life.

After only 6 months in post, Aisling was given the opportunity to cover another part-time position in Armagh City Library following a colleague’s ongoing illness. This now meant that Aisling was covering a part-time morning shift and a part-time afternoon shift across 2 locations in Armagh City. In addition to this, Aisling was also asked to help out by covering another morning shift on one day per week in her local library in Keady.

After a number of months successfully juggling these multiple commitments across 3 locations in the County Armagh area, Aisling was encouraged to apply for the part-time role at Armagh City Library which had now become available on a permanent basis. Aisling applied for the position in March 2024 and once again was successful in her application.

Despite a number of personal issues which Aisling has had to contend with over the last number of months, Aisling has gone from strength to strength and has really flourished in her various roles with Libraries NI.

Aisling is a hard-working, conscientious worker who is an extremely popular member of staff in all 3 locations where she is working at present.  Her confidence has really increased in recent months. This can be evidenced by her willingness to speak at an Employer’s Event run by the NOW Group in Armagh in April 2024. Despite being a little nervous in advance of the day, Aisling spoke brilliantly and really helped to highlight the various services available from the NOW Group to other employers in the Armagh area. Please see some photos below of Aisling speaking at the event.

Aisling continues to work hard and is very content in her various roles at Libraries NI, where she is looking forward to further developing her career in the coming years.

Linda’s Journey

I was having difficulties in work and was struggling for some time. I knew I needed help if I was to stay in work.

I contacted Access to Work who put me in touch with Workable NI (Action Mental Health) and Robert was appointed as my Employment Support Officer. He was so easy to talk to and if felt good to speak to someone who understood how I felt and to know help and support was available. At last, I could see it would be possible to move forward.

I wasn’t good at asking for help and Robert spoke to management on my behalf. It became apparent that I needed a move to a new working environment. With Robert’s help, some adjustments were put in place while I waited for the move. This was a big relief for me. I felt a weight starting to lift off my shoulders.

Robert continued to support me and when the move did come Robert was there for me again. He reassured me about the move as I was feeling nervous. He came to the new office with me and spoke to the new management. It was soon apparent that I needed some computer skills training for my new role. Again Robert came to the rescue and I was enrolled in a course. I am really enjoying it and everyone has been lovely and very supportive. It is a great environment to study in and I can work at my own pace. This course has been invaluable in my new job role.

If it wasn’t for Workable N.I., there is a great possibility I wouldn’t be in work now, but because of the help and support I have received my confidence has grown, my work skills have much improved and I’m gaining a qualification in computer skills.

I just want to say a massive thank you to Robert, Workable NI (Action Mental Health) and the lovely people there. Long may you continue helping and supporting people who need it. I would highly recommend your services to anyone.