Edwina's battle against adversity
At 51 years of age Edwina McCarthy had never been
employed and had all but given up hope of ever finding someone who
would employ her.
Despite a first class honours degree in social
science and a willingness to work, she faced numerous barriers that
prevented her getting a job. As a wheelchair user with cerebral
palsy, she was unemployed and was unsure what her options were.
But thanks to help from us she has not only
overcome the challenges she faced and found a job but is now
providing inspiration to others who have disabilities.
During a presentation recently at the Europa
Gallery in Sutton Library, Edwina spoke to people with physical
disabilities and mental health problems about the barriers she
herself had faced.
Edwina, who lives in Wimbledon, was referred
to us from the All Saints Centre for people with physical
disabilities. She was introduced to consultant Byron Woods and they
quickly formed a friendship. Together they identified the barriers
that prevented her from working and compiled an action plan. They
put together Edwina’s first ever CV and began a massive job search.
They identified jobs that would be suitable for her, completed
application forms and Byron coached her on interview techniques.
He went along to interviews with Edwina acting as her own
PA.
But most of all Byron provided the emotional
support given to her throughout the difficult and challenging
time.
“My journey to achieving my job has had many
highs and lows,” she said. “Byron has been there to pick me up when
I was down.”