Finding friends through work

Nicola

Nicola lives at Arlesey, a supported living service which allows disabled people to live as independently as they choose in a place of their own.

My favourite thing about my job is the people, I have lots of friends at work. I love meeting customers too.

My name is Nicola and I have Williams syndrome. It’s a genetic condition that means I have learning disabilities.

I’ve lived in my own flat at Arlesey for 15 years. It’s really nice living in the block.

The staff are lovely and really good to chat to, and I have lots of friends here. The staff take me shopping, help me to cook meals and help with my personal care.

I work at the local Mind charity shop and also at the British Heart Foundation in Hitchin.

Nicola smiles at the camera

My favourite thing about my job is the people, I have lots of friends at work. I love meeting customers too.

Before I found a job, I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to find the right thing for me. But the staff helped me put together a CV and to feel less worried. Then, I found some jobs that suited me.

My employers support me by being welcoming and explaining everything to me clearly. The Mind shop have put me forward to do my NVQ in retail. I’ll be starting next month. I’m really excited. My goal for this year is to work hard at it.

All in all, I’m pretty independent. I feel I can do what I like around the area. I love going to the cinema. The staff help me with ideas and help me choose things to do.

Ability June 2019

A woman working in a charity shop

£15

could go towards the costs of training qualifications and work placements which will help disabled people be seen by employers

Enter here

£25

could provide materials and equipment to support disabled people in Africa and Asia to set up their own business

A man in a black suit sits on the steps of a building

£50

could go towards the cost of running a programme like Change 100, which helps young disabled people develop their skills and gain valuable experience.

Or donate other amount
could help towards running a programme like Can Do, which helps give disabled people vital opportunities to volunteer, gain experience and socialise

£8

a month

could help towards running a programme like Can Do, which helps give disabled people vital opportunities to volunteer, gain experience and socialise

A woman aided by crutches walks through a kitchen

£10

a month

could contribute to training employers in Africa and Asia how to support disabled staff members, encouraging them to give more disabled people jobs.

A woman aided by crutches walks through a kitchen

£20

a month

could help fund adapted equipment so disabled people can search for jobs at and contact employers

Or donate other amount