My name is Mandy Woodman (Amanda really but prefer Mandy).I’m 44 and live in Braintree, Essex.I am a mum of three boys; Oliver 22, Jamie 19 and Matt 15. I have been a full-time mum for the last 22 years and have longed for a career as opposed to a job with little satisfaction. I had heard about CLARITY through a friend and had purchased some of the products. I was impressed of course, especially with the shower gel; but wanted to find out if there were any opportunities of work for me.
I have always had an interest in counselling and communicating with people and was fortunate to be offered a position using all these skills in admin, reception and training and development. I am very happy here, and look forward to coming to work on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
I have had Vesper my guide dog now for three and a half years; and as I have lost several guide dogs due to them being attacked by other dogs, I needed one which was extremely calm, but able to adapt to situations. I was advised that Vesper could only work locally in Braintree and surrounding areas as being a retriever, he can be very sensitive.
After being offered the job at CLARITY, as much as I wanted it, I had to consider whether Vesper would be able to cope with London. I realised that the only way of doing this initially, was to travel to London on the train, and take a taxi to work (via ‘Access to Work’). Despite being told he could not work in London, Vesper surprised me by experiencing little anxiety when walking around Liverpool Street Station and I therefore decided to take the plunge and attempt the underground. I realised I would have to do this properly, and contacted an instructor of the local Guide dogs team, and he gently persuaded Vesper to take the tube.Once again, he didn’t disappoint; he was, and still is, fantastic; showing little or no concern as he slowly and carefully guides me around people, luggage and safely to work.
