On this page:

• Retraining and courses
• Applying for new jobs
• Retirement
• Volunteering

You might take some time to look at your options and consider a career change and applying for a new job. Think about your hobbies, skills and interests. What new job can you see yourself doing? Do you enjoy working with children? Are you a keen gardener? Pick something you enjoy that interests you.

You can explore the different options available to you and get individual support from a Work Coach or IPES (Intensive Personalised Employment Support) worker at Jobcentre Plus (or Jobs and Benefits office in Northern Ireland.) They can give help and advice to jobseekers with disabilities and health conditions.

The National Careers Service website can also offer free careers advice.

Retraining and courses

There are many types of courses and qualifications available. These include introductory courses, formal qualifications such as an NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) or a university degree. You can sometimes do a taster course to see if you enjoy the subject and like the place you’re studying in.

The types of centres that offer qualifications can vary. Many areas have a local college or further education centre. Your local authority will usually list them on their website. You can browse courses and contact the course leader directly if you have any questions.

Be realistic about how frequently you can attend classes. Think about your energy levels and travelling time if you have fatigue or mobility difficulties. You could start with a shorter course and build up to a longer one. Many education providers also offer online courses and remote learning options.

Colleges, further education centres and universities should offer additional support to disabled students. For example, this could include a support worker to take notes in class, specialist software or additional time to complete assignments. When applying for a course, explain you have a disability and ask what they can offer to support you. Disability charity Scope has more information about reasonable adjustments while you’re studying.

Applying for new jobs

There are more than 5.6 million disabled people in employment in the UK, and many employers now have a good awareness of disability. But it can be very hard work looking for a new job. Most stroke survivors have said it was their own determination and motivation that landed them a job, so be patient, proactive and persistent.

When applying for jobs, always tailor your CV and application to the specific job you’re going for. Show how your skills and experience match the job description and include keywords from the job description. The National Careers Service website has more tips on applications and job interviews.

Look out for the Disability Confident scheme. This means an employer is taking positive steps to employ disabled people. Employers who join the scheme are committed to interview all applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for a job vacancy. You will be considered on your own abilities. The employer also promises to support people with disabilities in the workplace.

Disclosing a disability in an application or interview

In your application, account for gaps in your employment by explaining when you took time off for rehabilitation and recovery. List any courses or volunteering you did after your stroke. Remember to focus on your skills, experience and suitability for the job. Be positive and proactive.

You can ask in advance for reasonable adjustments to be made if you’re offered an interview, such as ensuring an interview room is wheelchair accessible or being given extra time to complete a test.

At interview, if you feel someone is making assumptions about your disability, ask questions about the role and explain how you will fulfil the duties.

Some employers will have very little experience of working with people with disabilities or health problems. If you’re asked about how you would approach tasks, you could mention ways that you have found to do things, such as using aids and technology to help you with planning or physical work.

Employers often say they recruit the best person for the job, regardless of whether that person has a disability. Some stroke survivors worry that mentioning their stroke or disability on an application form will mean employers will not interview them, let alone offer them a job. But this is not necessarily the case.

Retirement

Volunteering

If you do not wish to go back into paid work, you do not feel ready yet, or you have decided to retire, volunteering can be a great way to keep active and build your confidence. Volunteering can:

• Let you explore new hobbies and interests.
• Help build new skills or develop skills you have not used in a while.
• Allow you to meet new people. This can help with feelings of isolation many people face after a stroke.
• Give you a sense of purpose, increase your confidence and enable you to help others.

Things to think about when looking for a volunteering role:

• Think about your skills and interests. What appeals to you? Do you like being outdoors? Do you enjoy working with the public? Pick something you enjoy doing that interests you.
• Think about how often you would like to volunteer. It can be a good idea to start once a week and build up to more if you feel able to. Consider your energy levels too. Some organisations will let you volunteer for short shifts like an hour or two at a time.
• If you’re unable to travel long distances, for example due to fatigue or mobility difficulties, look at what’s available locally. You can also look online for remote volunteering roles you can do from home. Try the Do-It Trust for some ideas.
• Ask what training is available. Many organisations have a dedicated volunteer team. As you are giving up your time, you will often be rewarded with training sessions and other volunteer resources. Most organisations will reimburse expenses such as lunch and travel.
• It can sometimes take a while to organise a volunteering position. For instance, if you are working with vulnerable groups like children, you may need a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check which can sometimes take a while to come through. If there are no current vacancies, you can ask to go on a waiting list.
• Be persistent! Approach a few different organisations and you’re more likely to have success.