Preparing for Work

This course is for adults with arthritis who are interested in starting or returning to work, but who may have concerns about how they will cope. Designed to help you develop your job searching, application and interview skills, the course will also help you learn to manage your arthritis.

Ok, how long does it go on?

Preparing for Work runs over an eight-week period with each weekly session lasting three hours (in an accessible venue). Time well spent, we think you’ll find.

So what happens?

We know that returning to or starting work can be particularly worrying when you have arthritis. Our sessions are designed to help remove some of the stress. There are informative talks by the trainers (who have arthritis themselves and are comprehensively trained), as well as plenty of discussion, brainstorming and practical activities. And you will receive individual attention from the trainers to help you with your particular needs.

What is covered over the eight weeks?

Preparing for Work includes all aspects of the Challenging Arthritis course

• Pain management – we look at ways of coping with pain and practice a number of specific techniques
• Medication – we go through how to evaluate whether a treatment or alternative therapy is working for you, and where you would go for help and advice
• Exercise – we discuss the benefits of safe exercise and show you a few simple strengthening, flexibility and aerobic exercises
• Communication skills – we explore how you can communicate with your healthcare team, family and friends to explain your feelings and your needs, and how better communication can help improve relationships
• Emotions – we look at the difficult emotions that inevitably come with having a long-term condition and how to deal with them
• Action planning – throughout the course we help you to set your own action plans, small steps to help you work towards your own personal goals

The work-specific elements include

• Seeking work – we help you identify transferable skills that might help you look for alternative career directions. We discuss completing application forms, writing CVs and preparing for interview (including choosing what to say and what not to say)
• Your health – we offer tips on how to deal with your health whilst negotiating positively with employers
• Rights and responsibilities – we discuss your legal rights in applying for work and in the workplace, as well as your own responsibilities regarding any disability you may have

Will I be forced to take a job?

Definitely not, no. The course is simply intended to give you the information and techniques to help you get back into work – if you want to. We do not pass your details onto Jobcentre Plus or any other government agency.

What about my benefits?

Attending this course will have no impact on your benefits. Completion of the course does not mean you must return to work, and no government agencies will be informed of your attendance.

And what will it cost me?

All our courses are free to attend. We obtain funding from various bodies which covers our running costs. This in fact serves as another thof quality as we have to evaluate and feedback to our funders to show how each course went.

If it’s free, how do I know it’s any good?

People complete our course knowing they can manage their arthritis better, and with the confidence and skills to secure employment. Read for yourself what our participants have to say.

In our pilot programme 120 people attended the course and 12 months on, 24 entered into paid employment, 29 decided to undertake further professional training and two people commenced self-employment.

It sounds great, how can I sign up?

Take a look at the course calendar in your area and use the information there to complete our form you will also find there. If there isn’t anything available near you, please still send us your form. This means we can keep track of demand and keep you up to date with announcements of any new courses.

Still not convinced?

We have evidence that this course turns people’s lives around. Take a look.