PARALYMPIC rowing cox Helen Arbuthnot has visited Poole to support a Government programme aimed at getting unemployed people back into the workplace.
Helen, who at London 2012 coxed the first Irish boat to ever compete at a Paralympics Games, met more than a hundred jobseekers at the RNLI Lifeboat College.
The former Christchurch School pupil was in Poole as part of a Department for Work and Pensions initiative run by training company Prospects.
After speaking to jobseekers about her own struggle to overcome adversity, Helen said: “I’m delighted to be able to share my experience to help people struggling with unemployment to stay motivated and create a better life for themselves.
“Rowing, especially at competitive level, is all about focus and dedication but lessons from it can be applied to all walks of life which is what I hope to pass on to others.
“I know how quickly you can lose your motivation and confidence when unemployed but I hope my story will encourage people to keep at it.”
Able-bodied Helen only became involved with rowing in 2004, taking just eight years to cox the Irish mixed coxed four boat. During London 2012 her boat finished fourth in the B final.
She was born in Christchurch but represented the Irish team due to her father’s Irish roots.
Prospects’ Nicki MacFarlane said: “Not everyone can say they’ve met a Paralympian so we’re thrilled Helen could join us. We hope hearing Helen will inspire customers and give them a new perspective on the issues they’re facing. When you’re unemployed your world can become a lot smaller but events like this give customers and opportunity to meet new people and increase their confidence.
“We also asked local employers and training companies to come along and meet customers and we hope this will result in success for customers soon.”
