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Work Forwards Overview

Blog - 07/09/2023

Our Work Forwards programme officially launched in February this year. Set up to respond to the evolving employment needs of the CF community, Work Forwards offers support with various work-related topics, from updating your CV to telling your employer that you have CF.

Support provided

So far, the programme has helped a variety of people in a range of different jobs. Work Forwards has helped people with CF to apply for jobs, write CVs and cover letters, practice interview techniques and secure work. Support is available to people with CF and those affected by CF.

In addition, support has been provided with challenging discrimination, negotiating reasonable adjustments, asking for flexible working and disclosing CF to an employer. The programme also allows clients to celebrate their achievements to date, talk about their goals, and discuss what isn’t going well. People with CF can discuss their employment goals and issues with people who understand CF in a safe and confidential space where they won’t be judged.

We have been collecting and sharing stories about people with CF in different types of work, such as 24-year-old actor Jack Norris, best known for his role in the 2021 film Requiem, where he starred alongside Bella Ramsey.

Here's what some of the people we've helped say about Work Forwards:

[The programme] helped me deal with my nerves and stress.

Speaking to someone who understands CF was most helpful to me. Said things I don’t hear from anyone else and I’m grateful for that.

My experience of being on the programme was really positive. I felt like I was heard and I right away felt comfortable.

Thank you so much for all your help, I don’t think I could have done it without you.

So far, everyone surveyed about the programme has said that they would be 'very likely' to recommend it to those with or affected by CF.

If you think the Work Forwards programme can support you, get in touch with us at [email protected] or via the Work Forwards webpages. If you’d like to get involved further, you can also share your story of CF and work with us by email at [email protected].