Michael* a 56-year-old self-employed tiler was unable to work following a serious physical assault from a customer. Following the assault, he experienced chronic pain, anxiety and insomnia, and had a history of depression and alcohol dependency.
The psychological impact of the assault and his chronic pain conditions culminated in him feeling unable to return to his previous work role. Vocational Rehabilitation support and Exercise Physiology were provided early in the claim alongside mental health support from treating practitioners. However, despite these interventions, Michael was not able to progress back to paid work and was having difficulties engaging with others, even in a volunteer capacity.
Following a period of further treatment, Michael contacted his claims manager, indicating that he would like the opportunity to discuss support options again in the hope that he may be able to return to some form of work.
Vocational Rehabilitation support was engaged to explore local opportunities and courses. While Michael was still experiencing chronic pain, and awaiting a knee replacement, he was managing this without alcohol and was very motivated to move into purposeful work activity.
We supported him to complete a basic computer course and worked closely with his GP to clarify his capacity for work and his work interests. Michael was interested in light catering roles and so we supported him to identify a work trial with a local golf club helping with lunch preparation.
The employer was very supportive of Michael, helping him to integrate into the role and being flexible with his work hours, acknowledging his physical restrictions with accommodating these. At the end of the work trial, the golf club offered Michael paid work on a part-time basis, which met his functional capacity.
The employer was very supportive of Michael, helping him to integrate into the role and being flexible with his work hours, acknowledging his physical restrictions with accommodating these. At the end of the work trial, the golf club offered Michael paid work on a part-time basis, which met his functional capacity.