Getting work and being included

My name is
Angela and I live
in Hawick.

I used to clean the buses at the bus depot. But the bus depot shut. After that I was a volunteer at an Old People's Home. I liked that and it gave me confidence.

But I wanted a cleaning job and to be paid again. Ways 2 Work (employment support project) gave me advice on how a job would fit with my benefits. So I knew that I wanted a part-time job.

Ways 2 Work found out about a job at the Fire Station. I wanted to apply, so Ways 2 Work helped me to fill out an application form. And they supported me at the interview. I got the job.

When I got the job, the Fire Service asked if I have any health problems. They ask everybody that, to make sure that people can do the job and are safe. I did have a health problem, so I said yes. They asked if I would go to meet someone at their office in Edinburgh. Claire from Ways 2 Work came with me. The lady in Edinburgh said it was ok and that I would be able to work at that job. I was worried at the time but I'm glad I checked. It shows that you can still work even if you do have a health problem.

I like my job a lot. I've got 2 jobs now, cleaning at 2 Fire Stations. I've also helped at other Fire Stations when their cleaners are on holiday.

I travel to my jobs on my own. I go by bus - I need 2 buses to get to one of the jobs, so I get to meet lots of people. I still get support from Ways 2 Work if I need any help.

There are lots of things that I like about my job. I like being able to work at my own pace. I like meeting people. And I like getting paid.