A heartfelt word from Phil, IPES Participant

Intensive Personalised Employment Support (IPES) is here to help each person focus on their own strengths, skills and abilities to overcome any complex barriers preventing them from gaining sustainable employment. IPES predominantly works with people with disabilities that have lasting impacts on their lives.

Phil was recently supported by IPES after he was made redundant during the pandemic, and after he took part in the programme and worked really hard, he found a new role at Govdata as a Senior Bid Writer, and he wrote a letter to thank the IPES team and to give advice to other people in a situation like his. which really floored them all. With Phil’s permission, we’d like to share the letter, to celebrate the great work of our IPES team, and to celebrate Phil’s achievement.

Phil writes:

“It’s Easy to give up.

I’m starting a new job at 58 and with my mobility issue, I never thought it would happen- but I’ve just completed my first week in my new job.

I was made redundant in August 2020 thanks to COVID, which was very disappointing and life changing. At the back of my mind, I knew it would be hard to find work at my age, even in good economic times, but with so many companies going out of business and so many people looking for work, I felt it was going to be even harder.

It’s easy to just give up - anyone can do that- posting application after application, the odd interview here and there, all followed by ‘thanks but no thanks’ is very demoralising.

But remember – it’s easy to give up. The right thing to do isn’t always the easy thing to do, so keep at it.

Clearly, I’m very happy to be back in the working world. My new co-workers are all much younger than myself, but they’re hungry to succeed and have a strong work ethic. I’ve a lot to learn from them, but I’ve a lot of experience to offer and they recognise that.

You’ll hear lots of platitudes and motivational talk from those trying to help but the bottom line is that it’s down to you, so don’t give up hope - believe me, it’s worth it to keep trying.

I’d like to give my thanks to Paul Knight and Barbara Davies at IPES who have provided fantastic support and found this new opportunity. I don’t know the words to express my gratitude.”

Phil has done inspirationally well. If you too, have severe barriers to work, get in touch with IPES- they’re here to help you reach your full potential.