Jolan’s Story: Rebuilding Confidence and Returning to Work
30 July 2025
Meet Jolan
- Previously a maths teacher
- Attended Back Up’s multi-activity course in Devon
- Recently completed a placement with Big Yellow Self Storage
Jolan sustained a spinal cord injury in 2020 and now uses a wheelchair. Adjusting to life after injury brought many new challenges, especially around mobility and regaining her independence.
She first discovered Back Up in 2021 through social media. Keen to explore what support was available, she signed up for a multi-activity course in Devon. It was her first experience of Back Up’s services and one that left a lasting impact.
“I tried abseiling, hand cycling, sailing, even shooting – things I’d never done before. It pushed me to try new things and gave me a real boost.”
She also picked up essential wheelchair skills that helped her in day-to-day life, and made friends and valuable contacts, some of whom she still stays in touch with through social media.
Exploring Work Again
Before her injury Jolan worked as a maths teacher. After a period away from employment she wanted to explore what kind of work might be possible now.
Attending Back Up’s Careers Fair in Birmingham gave her the guidance and encouragement she needed to start thinking about getting back into the workplace. It was there that she met Becky from Back Up ‘s Vocational Services team.
“Meeting Becky gave me hope that I could find my way back into work,” says Jolan. “She listened, gave advice, and helped me take the next step.”
This then led to a supported work placement with Big Yellow Self Storage at their Watford branch, spring 2025. It was her first experience of employment since her injury.
“Travelling to the office was a challenge at first, and I hadn’t done customer service before. But everyone was so supportive – both at Big Yellow and Back Up. That made a huge difference.”
During her placement, Jolan supported the team with customer sales and enquiries, gaining valuable experience in a new sector and growing in confidence each week.
What’s Next
The placement helped Jolan realise she could adapt to a new type of working environment. It also refreshed the skills she had and highlighted how much she can offer an employer.
“I feel much more confident now. I’ve gained new skills and proved to myself that I can work again. I’m now actively looking for job opportunities closer to home.”
Reflecting on the Experience
Jolan is clear about the impact Back Up has had on her journey.
“The support from Back Up and Big Yellow helped me believe in myself again. I didn’t know what I’d be able to do after my injury, but now I feel like I have a future I can shape.”
About the Partnership
The Big Yellow Charitable Foundation has played a vital role in supporting people with spinal cord injuries as they return to work and rebuild their vocational confidence. Their generous funding made it possible for Jolan to attend our Careers Fair an event that connects participants with new possibilities and practical opportunities.
Building on this, Big Yellow Self Storage also supported the development of our Coach to Work programme. This initiative helps people regain confidence, set meaningful goals, and explore pathways back into employment or training.
Through this partnership, Big Yellow Self Storage has also offered paid placements at selected store locations, including their Watford branch. These placements provide valuable hands-on experience in a supportive work environment giving individuals like Jolan a chance to gain experience in a supportive environment.
Back Up’s Vocation Services
Back Up’s vocational services support people with spinal cord injury at every stage of their employment journey, whether they’re exploring their options, returning to work, or starting something completely new. Through 1:1 coaching, skills workshops, employer partnerships, and placements like Jolan’s, we help people move forward with clarity and confidence.
With the continued support of partners like The Big Yellow Foundation, we’re creating inclusive pathways back into work, ensuring that everyone affected by spinal cord injury has the opportunity to thrive.
If you’re interested in support getting back to work, volunteering or training post injury and in particular interested in doing a work placement with one of our corporate partners, do get in touch by emailing vocation@backuptrust.org.uk.
