A Bilston man who was unemployed for almost seven years after a brain injury says his life is back on track thanks to his new job at Birmingham Central Library.

Cliff Harris (31) had to stop working in October 2001 when a break-in at home left him with a permanent brain injury, which meant that he could no longer continue with his chosen career in accountancy.

Cliff, from Bilston, said:
"My confidence was at an all-time low. I had always worked and hated being unemployed. After the injury I was not able to lead a normal life, due to the impact of the brain injury and the obstacles that I encountered."

A meeting with Linda Wooldridge, a disability employment adviser at his local Jobcentre Plus office, turned out to be a turning-point for Cliff. Jobcentre Plus was able to arrange a rehabilitation programme through Rehab UK. This included a series of modules to develop coping strategies, particularly around memory and concentration.

After completing 12 months at Rehab UK, Cliff felt ready to undertake some voluntary work to find out how he coped back in the workplace. Cliff took up a voluntary position in Business and Learning and also Local History at Birmingham Central Library in a customer service and administration role. This voluntary position went so well and boosted his confidence, that as result, Cliff successfully applied for a permanent job there as a library support officer in business and learning.

Cliff added:
"I feel that my life is back on track - I love the fact that I now get up in the morning and go off to a job I enjoy. Without the support that Linda and Rehab UK provided, I would not be working today. I'd like to thank them for helping me find a job that I really enjoy doing. I can look forward to a future I never thought would be possible."

Cliff's employer, Carol Wallace, operational manager for business and learning said: "We are very pleased with Cliff's progress and value him as a conscientious and hard worker who has fitted into the team well. His confidence has increased immensely, enabling Cliff to take on extra duties."