Joanne has been on an incredible journey

January 22nd 2013

Joanne Lewis has a young son who has Downs Syndrome and requires additional support and medical attention, which will continue throughout his life. Joanne was her son’s full time carer, whilst her husband Michael continued to work to support the family.

In 2010 Michael was made redundant and the family were facing hardship and the terrifying possibility of their home being repossessed.

Whilst caring for her family, Joanne developed additional skills and realised her strengths lay within the medical profession. To gain formal qualifications, she has completed a Level 2 in Health & Social Care and completed her Diploma in Health & Social Care Level 3 at College in July 2012. To progress further and ultimately secure a permanent position, Joanne registered with St Johns Ambulance and North East Ambulance Service, where she is a dedicated volunteer.

Joanne’s goal was to complete a HGV course and secure a license in order to secure employment as a Paramedic or Technician.

Jane Simpson, Family Coach at Five Lamps met Joanne at a family event at Five Lamps Youthy in Thornaby, where Joanne attends with her young children. Jane introduced herself and explained the services Five Lamps could provide to people who are looking to find work through The FamilyWise project.

Jane provided intensive support to Joanne over a number of months and managed to secure a grant from the Ropner Trust to fund the cost of the HGV course and further training that Joanne required in order to achieve her goal.

Joanne has shown determination and discipline whilst completing her training and voluntary posts; facing the challenges at home with support from her husband Michael. With optimism and positivity, Joanne studied hard to meet the demands of the HGV theory course and a literacy and numeracy programme.

Joanne prepared well for the HGV theory test which meant that she passed the exam and is close to achieving her career goal.

Joanne said

“I felt I had asked the impossible from Jane. Not only did she help me achieve my goal but exceed this and more”

FamilyWise is funded from the European Social Fund Support for Families with Multiple Problems contract