A MAN who was left out of work after suffering spinal injuries and spending a month in hospital is hoping to help others like him with his new business.

Thanks to support from New Leaf – a Cheshire-based employment support programme - David Edwards from Winsford is now back in employment, but in a new direction.

Before his accident at home, the 34-year-old worked with BT, but spinal injuries and nerve damage meant he was in ongoing pain and on high doses of painkillers.

David explained: “I was eventually diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome which sent me into a prescription medication spiral that lasted multiple years and I lost everything, including my job.

“Two years ago, I stopped the medication and started to get my faculties back, learning what works for me.

“I'm still constantly in pain, I have insomnia and have to spend two hours a day having hydrotherapy.

“I've lost seven stone in two years and managing four to five miles a day so I'm pushing myself to get my life back.

“Six years after my accident, I had built up enough physical ability to sustain some activities for a few hours a day and I wanted to get back into employment.

Northwich Guardian: David EdwardsDavid Edwards (Image: Supplied)

“I’d seen what New Leaf could do for others in the community, so I felt like they were the best option for me to get some support with this.

“I was looking to change direction and set up my own business helping other disabled people navigate support networks and hoped New Leaf would be able to help with that goal - and they have.”

After being transferred to a self-employment advisor within New Leaf, David was able to work on a new CV, get a new laptop running for his business and take on advice about his business’ website and membership options.

Getting his business – Disability Directions & Support Services - up and running has been a huge boost for David.

“With New Leaf’s help, I’ve been able to start my own business and now I’m going on to support hopefully hundreds of people who are in difficult personal and financial circumstances,” he said.

“I’m aiming to help them access vital help and support and that’s possible because of the signposting from New Leaf, which was second to none.

“The plan now is to finish developing an operational membership site and start to coach and mentor other people so I can help them the way New Leaf has helped me.”

New Leaf is part of the Building Better Opportunities programme funded by the European Social Fund, with match funding from the National Lottery Community Fund. 

It supports unemployed people living in Warrington and Cheshire who need extra help and support to get into and closer to employment.