Allison Galbraith from Kirkfieldbank certainly knows how to tell a tale or two. She had worked as a special needs teacher of drama and dance for the Glasgow Nautical College from 1992 to 2002 but her chronic back condition (ruptured discs) prevented her from continuing in that line of work.

Allison attended Lanark Jobcentre where she met with Kaye Shearer, a Pathways to Work Personal Adviser, where she explained that her ambition was to become a self employed storyteller. Kaye advised Allison about Business Gateway and Access To Work. She also explained Permitted Work; Return to Work Credit the Condition Management Programme and the option of considering voluntary work.

It was doing the voluntary work that convinced Allison that storytelling was what she wanted to do. Further guidance was then given by Kaye on funding available for business start up, including how to access appropriate training through Learn Direct. A referral was also made to Business Able Self Employment Start Up opportunity with DHP Scotland Ltd. This provided Allison with business start-up training and assisted her with financial planning and a business plan. It also allowed for a period of test trading whilst remaining on benefit.

Allison has now started work as a self-employed storyteller. She is also writing stories for children. Access To Work pays for her taxi fares from Lanark to her house on an ongoing basis. Her work is going well and she has advance bookings for her to work at the Village Storytelling Centre in Glasgow and the Scottish Storytelling Centre in Edinburgh. She still needs to manage her back condition with care but she is finding her work fulfilling as it is providing her with the opportunity to be creative again.

Allison said: "Kaye has allowed me to full fill my ambition by putting me in touch and linking me up with invaluable support services".

To find out about the full range of assistance available to help you back into work contact your local Jobcentre.