More than just a job for Nancy Carer’s fulfilling career after help
A worker at a Rutherglen care home is backing a national drive to recognise the benefits of employing people with disabilities.
Nancy Martin works at Duncraggan Care Home on Blairbeth Road.
The 54-year-old joined Keane Premier Care Homes as a senior assistant in 2015.
Before that she spent 22 years out of work due to debilitating depression and anxiety which saw her struggle with mood swings and a lack of confidence.
She completed a course run by Remploy which helped improve her skill set and confidence.
After starting at Dunvegan Care Home she made the move to a full-time role in Burnside where she still works.
Nancy said: “After suffering with depression and anxiety for so long, I was resigned to the fact that I might not be able to work again as I was getting a bit older and I wasn’t sure anyone would want to take someone on with this kind of disability.
“Remploy made all the difference; I got more and more comfortable during the course with them and started to feel more confident.
“It was thanks to them I got the interview with the care home and I was so happy that I would be able to do something worthwhile and get to use my people skills in such a rewarding role.
“My employer has been great and I’ve had the opportunity to develop my skills through various courses, including being able to start my SVQ level 3. I would say to anyone in the same position, don’t give up, there’s so much help and support out there and people do look beyond your disability and recognise the skills you can bring to a role.”
Nancy was speaking as it emerged only around 40 per cent of working age disabled adults in Scotland are in employment.
A number of partners, including the Scottish Government, are behind the campaign.
Lynn Smith, owner of Keane Premier Care Homes, said: “Nancy is everything that encompasses a good carer.
“When I first met her, I thought right away this woman is the real deal. She is reliable, committed and conscientious and gives 100 per cent all of the time”
Businesses can visit employabilityinscotland.com for further advice.