Thomas Hitchinson – Groundsman

“It’s easy to get into a comfort zone when you’re on benefits. I feel much better now that I’m back at work”

Thomas Hitchinson spent 20 years working for the local council before ill health forced him to give up work. In 2001 Thomas was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, the condition affects about 1 in every 100 adults at some point in their life. Bipolar disorder is treatable and in Thomas’ case, medication was crucial to his recovery.

After being unable to work for six years, Thomas decided that he was ready to ‘sign off’ from benefits. He felt far too young to be written off as unfit to work and wanted to get back to working outdoors as he had previously done.

Motivation and enthusiasm

Thomas’s quest for work was successful. His years of experience and skill as a gardener were recognised and he was offered a job as Groundsman at Norton Grange hotel in Rochdale. Thomas also had the personal qualities that all employers look for in potential employees – motivation and enthusiasm.

His job involves maintaining the grounds and landscaped gardens of the hotel. Thomas enjoys the freedom of the outdoors and also enjoys the flexibility he has to plan his own schedule of daily work.

Employer's story

As the ‘Disability Champion’ for Norton Grange, Manager Robert Maynock is responsible for ensuring that both disabled staff and clients are treated fairly and equally. He says “In my job I have a customer facing role so my work as Disability Champion fits in well with my main role.” Robert does not directly line manage Thomas but is responsible for ensuring that all disabled staff are treated equally at work.

Raising awareness

It is Robert’s responsibility to raise awareness about disability amongst staff.  He does this by organising staff induction and refresher sessions. He says: “Training is important because it helps to break down stereotypes. It also creates opportunities for discussion about disability issues.”

Training sessions are designed to help staff understand and even experience some of the barriers faced by disabled people. For example the refresher session includes practical exercises which allow staff to use crutches or other equipment which restricts their mobility. They are also given a tour of hotel rooms that have accessible features so that they are aware of the needs of disabled clients. “Training in disability is cost effective for us and could be used in other industry sectors” says Robert.

Employee's story

Norton Grange is set in its own grounds with views of the Pennine Hills and offers the perfect setting for Thomas’s job. He believes that his job and work in general has been good for his health. “Work has given me something to do and it’s good for my self-esteem” says Thomas, “The job suits me because I like to be out and about.”  He likes to be busy in his job and also enjoys the social aspects of being employed such as meeting people.

Quality of life

When he began his job hunt, he was supported by a local agency that works with disabled people to help them get back into work. The agency In2Work, provides information, advice, guidance and support for disabled people and people with health conditions. Staff at the agency helped Thomas complete his application form. Since he started his job in June 2007, Thomas has not needed any specific support at work and since he started working again, both his health and his quality of life have improved significantly.

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