A Huyton resident has successfully returned to work after nearly two years thanks to support from the Positive Inclusion Team at Knowsley Works.
June, a qualified HGV driver, was forced to stop working after being diagnosed with blood cancer in 2024.
Over the following year, she underwent intensive cancer treatment and took time to rest and recover before approaching Knowsley Works in October 2025.
Eager to return to work, June visited the Huyton Knowsley Works shop and explained her situation.
June said: “I wanted to get back to work after my treatment, but I was still attending hospital appointments, and going back to HGV driving wasn’t possible due to the long hours. However, I love driving and a new role back behind the wheel was my dream.”
Recognising her passion for driving, the team supported June to explore alternative driving roles that would fit around her health needs. They supported her to develop a new CV, assisted with interview techniques and reached out to the network of employers.
With the support of her Knowsley Works Disability Adviser, Maria Hart, June applied for a role to train as a bus driver and gained an interview!
Having only experienced a formal interview once before, June was a little apprehensive.
Maria said: “I knew June had the skills and experience to do well but it was important that she felt confident. Through interview preparation we helped her showcase her strengths and skills, and her potential and natural positivity shone through!”
June was offered the role, started her bus driver training in March 2026 and successfully completed it in May!
June added: “Thanks to the support of the Positive Inclusion team at Knowsley Works
I‘ve been able to get back into work after everything I’ve been through. It’s given me a reason to get up in the morning again and I’m really enjoying the job.”
Cllr Tony Brennan, Knowsley Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said: “I was delighted to hear June’s story and the impact that services such as Knowsley Works are having on supporting residents back into work.
“I would urge any residents who are looking for employment to contact the team and find out how they can support them on their journey.”
Find out more about Knowsley Works: Knowsley Works | Knowsley Council