Originally from the North East, I left school and went to college to study catering . My first employment was in the kitchen of a company called Janet Frasers & Brian Mills, where I remained until we had our first child. We moved to Evesham in 1991 and I started work at Evesham College thinking it would be a good place to meet new people as I didn't know anyone and our sons were both at school. I worked for a few hours each week, in the kitchen, whilst at the same time taking food Hygiene and advanced food hygiene courses. My first experience of working with students with special needs was as a support assistant, training students in various aspects of the working environment, firstly in Tasters coffee shop and then with an initiative called Next Step.
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Some time later, I was asked by Helen if I'd like to work with her on a new project which she had talked about for some time and about which she was extremely passionate. She was worried that students with special needs were leaving college with limited opportunities of work, or work experience. Thus Helen started Working World.

It's been a fantastic experience to watch it grow with a special team of people. We had little space but lots of enthusiasm. Helen's passion, determination and hard work paid off. It's such a pleasure to watch clients blossom, form friendships and grow in confidence.

Clients achieve so much when given a chance. Working World has given them this chance.

It is much bigger now but hasn't lost any of the qualities it had in the beginning. Long may it continue.l