Borough Life Spring 2006: Back to work with support
Exiled Londoner and Arsenal fan David Fuller is pictured (right) at the JJB plant the morning after his team's Carling Cup exit at the hands of Wigan! With him is Gary Slater of JJB.
When David Fuller woke up in a hospital bed this time last year, getting back to work was the last thing on his mind.
The 49-year old from Hindley Green had been unconscious for almost a month after sustaining a serious head injury during a quiet night out with friends. After only a couple of beers, David had collapsed outside the pub, smashing his head on the pavement.
Doctors diagnosed a stroke, possibly brought on by a spiked drink. Whatever the cause, prospects looked bleak. David was in a lot of pain, had suffered significant memory loss, his confidence and self-esteem were shot to pieces and he could no longer care for his 10 year old daughter Ashley. He considered himself unemployable
Now, thanks to Wigan Council’s supported employment team, his employer JJB and David himself, he’s back at work and slowly but surely getting back to where he was the day before that fateful night last March.
The Ince town hall team has helped over 100 people back into work since 1998, working with local companies and organisations to make sure people with brain injuries, mental health problems and physical or learning disabilities enjoy the opportunities many of us take for granted.
Employment training advisor Nigel Shield specialises in brain injuries and David was referred to him by Leigh Infirmary’s Neuro-rehabilitation Unit. Nigel immediately opened discussions with management at JJB’s Wigan plant about getting David back on his feet and into work.
“They were very receptive,” says Nigel “and it turned out to be the start of a really positive relationship between the council and the company.
“Because of symptoms like fatigue and memory-loss, people who have suffered serious head injuries need intensive, one-to-one support in the workplace. JJB have recognised this and allowed me to assist him at all times as he eases his way back into the job.”
There have been setbacks along the way. David recently suffered an epileptic fit at work as a direct result of his initial injury, but the measures put in place by JJB meant that the drama did not become a crisis.
“Our lads are all first aid trained”, explains JJB’s Gary Slater, “and they just got on with it. He was soon in safe hands. For the moment, David will work the hours he needs to and we will support him as much as we possibly can. He’s got a great attitude and he’s full of drive.”
“All the people here at JJB have been fantastic” says David. “Now I just want to get back to where I was a year ago.
“And I want to make up for the rough time Ashley endured while I was in hospital. She’s beginning to stay with me now my confidence is coming back and she’s grown up a lot.”
David is now working five hours a day, 20 hours a week, with a full-time comeback the ultimate goal. Slowly but surely, life is returning to normal for David Fuller.