A WREXHAM woman was forced to abruptly change her career aspirations following a series of health complications.

National Careers Week returned this week (4-9 March) marking a celebration of careers guidance and free educational resources throughout the UK.

Clare Williams, of Wrexham, is an example of how investing in your career at any age can be worthwhile.  

With one-to-one careers support, 56-year-old Clare showed resilience and determination in her journey to launch a thriving health & wellbeing business after her career path abruptly changed due to her health.

After a decade of working in healthcare as an occupational therapist, Clare had to retire early due to long COVID symptoms. Despite the setback, Clare's passion for helping others remained firm.

Fueled by this, Clare sought professional development opportunities to enhance her skills as a wellbeing coach. However, she encountered financial barriers until she discovered the ReAct+ programme.

Clare said: “Finding that I could get a grant to help me was just amazing.

"It took away the financial pressure and gave me the freedom to say yes. It was the best thing that I ever did.” 

After seeking guidance from Working Wales, Clare was supported by careers adviser Debbie to start the application process for ReAct+.  

Clare continues: "Debbie was very mindful that I felt listened to. She ensured that our appointments were at a time to suit me and kept me informed of any changes. She could not have been more helpful!”

With the funding secured, Clare embarked on an intensive Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) course in Cardiff.

Today, Clare is a certified NLP coach and hypnotherapy practitioner, and looking ahead to a promising future with her business.  

“Thanks to this course I can move forward in a very confident and practical way", Clare continues.

“The support to re-enter the workforce has made a significant difference for me financially, as well as boosting my confidence and motivation, following a very difficult time in my life.” 

Clare’s careers adviser, Debbie, said: “It’s fantastic to see how well Clare is doing with her new business and I wish her all the best with it.  

“At Working Wales, we're committed to offering tailored support at every stage of your journey.  

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“Whether it's helping you secure funding for courses, or providing support with CVs, finding employment or training, or identifying your next steps, we're here to make sure you get the assistance you need to succeed."

Working Wales is delivered by Careers Wales and funded by the Welsh Government to provide careers guidance and employability support to those aged 16 and above.  

For more information about Working Wales and how to access careers support, visit the Working Wales website, call free on 0800 028 4844, speak to an adviser via webchat, or email workingwales@careerswales.gov.wales.