I never thought I'd work again - Hebburn mum's journey back to employment

A Hebburn mum of three who thought she'd never work again is now looking forward to returning to employment after a specialist Aqua Circuit Programme helped her regain her confidence and look forward to the future.

Amy Mercer, 40, spent 14 years out of work after long-term health conditions, including living with a stoma, left her unable to continue in her job as a trainee chef. Constant pain, reduced mobility and frequent falls meant she became largely housebound, with adaptations made to her home to help her manage everyday life.

Amy stopped doing many of the things she'd once enjoyed, including swimming, because living with a stoma left her feeling self-conscious and anxious about how people would react. Losing her confidence made it hard to leave the house and impossible to imagine returning to work.

Fast forward three months and everything looks different. Amy joined an NHS-backed Aqua Circuit programme specially designed to help people overcome health barriers so they can get back to work.

The NHS-backed service helped Amy regain her confidence, and she's now set to start a new role as a cooking assistant at a care home – something that seemed impossible just a few months ago.

Amy said: “After 14 years out of work because of my health, I'd lost my confidence and become housebound. Living with a stoma made me so self-conscious that I stopped doing the things I loved. This programme has given me my confidence back.

"Being in the water has got me moving again, I'm in less pain and I finally feel like myself again. Meeting people each week has made such a difference to my mental health too.

“I was struggling with my health and wasn't sure if I should take part. I'm so glad I did because it's really changed my life. Before I joined the programme, if you'd asked me whether I'd ever work again, I'd have said no. Now, for the first time in a long time, I feel like that's something I can look forward to.”

Aqua Circuit is just one of the services supported by the NHS's WorkWell programme, which helps people improve their health, stay in work or take positive steps towards returning to employment. The £30 million regional programme provides a network of health and work coaches in communities across the North East and North Cumbria, to help people whose health is making it hard for them to work.

WorkWell has also developed extra support with mental health, gynaecological and musculoskeletal problems – all common reasons for having to give up work.

Dr Martin Weatherhead, a local GP who played a leading role in designing the WorkWell programme, said: “Having a job, a steady income and feeling connected are good for our health. In our region, one person in five has a health condition that affects their ability to work. 

"That's why we are working so hard to offer the kind of practical support that can improve health, feel better and stay in or return to work.

“Amy's story shows how practical, community-based support can transform people's lives, improving their health while taking positive steps towards staying in or returning to work.”

WorkWell brings the NHS together with voluntary organisations, employers, job support services and local authorities – including South Tyneside Council, whose qualified exercise practitioners lead the Aqua Circuit sessions.

Tom Hall, Director of Public Health in South Tyneside, said: “We know that poor health can be a significant barrier to employment and independence. 

“Amy's story is a wonderful example of how improving health and wellbeing with the right support can open the door to new opportunities and transform lives. 

“We’re proud to be delivering the newly-designed Aqua Circuit programme and are delighted to hear of the improvements, including reduced levels, of pain, better sleep and more confidence, experienced by the participants.”

If your health is making it hard for you to work, you can get free, flexible support from the WorkWell programme through your GP or one of a range of local organisations. Amy was referred to the programme through her local Jobcentre and Northern Rights – a social enterprise that helps people build their confidence and move towards employment.

Watch Amy's story below: