Rachel

Rachel had attended the ECL Day Service at Brentwood (Walter Boyce) 5 days a week for 10 years. Encouraged and supported by her mum Linda, Rachel successfully moved into her own house in January 2021 proving she had the skills and confidence to be more independent.

Next on Rachel’s agenda was to secure paid employment – preferably working with horses, fortunately ECL Inclusive Employment Consultant Caroline Giess, was ready to help her achieve her dream.

Caroline organised paid work for Rachel at Pascal’s Paddocks – an equestrian centre in Brentwood that already employed ECL Inclusive Employment candidate, Simon. Rachel took to the job very quickly, she loved working with the horses and gained valuable experience working with them.

As Rachel ideally needed to work closer to home in Chelmsford, Caroline supported Rachel to write her CV and to contact local stables. Caroline approached Holly, the owner of ‘The Peaceful Pony’ an equestrian centre that offers a range of equine therapeutic treatments to promote human physical and mental wellbeing, after hearing about Rachel’s background, Holly was keen to meet her.

Caroline accompanied Rachel to the interview, where her love of horses really shone through and she demonstrated that she was willing to do any of the jobs around the yard. Holly was so impressed with Rachel’s passion and eagerness to work hard, she offered her a paid position, 4 hours a week.

Caroline supported Rachel to go through the employment contract, fill in the new starter paperwork and make sure she had the right documents for work. She is also currently helping Rachel to apply for Access to Work which if successful, will pay for her taxi journeys to and from work.

Rachel commented “I am very happy, and I enjoy working with my team at The Peaceful Pony. I really like the owner Holly and I get the chance to learn more about the horses to gain more skills. My family are pleased for me and happy that I am working with my passion for horses.”