Lou's experience of working with Multiple Sclerosis at M&B
Lou's experience of working with Multiple Sclerosis at M&B
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) awareness week took place between 25 April and 1 May to help us shine a light on multiple sclerosis, an invisible condition affecting 130,000 people in the UK. MS affects the central nervous system and symptoms vary from person to person and from day to day, making it extremely unpredictable.
We recently spoke to Lou Cooper, our Internal Communications Coordinator, about her experience of working with the uncertainties of MS. She initially joined one of our Sizzling Pubs when she turned 18, perceiving the brand as fun, friendly and energetic. After leaving us to pursue a BA Hospitality Business Management degree, she knew that she wanted to remain in hospitality after graduating so she returned to Mitchells & Butlers, and recently received her 10-year service award. Here’ Lou’s story:
What does your current role at M&B involve and what do you enjoy most?
‘My role as an Internal Communications Coordinator involves keeping our employees informed with company news and giving a more detailed and holistic view of the organisation by sharing company messaging. Within our team, I help to build our company culture by sharing and promoting news stories that reinforce our values, plus organising and executing key company events.
My role is extremely varied and allows me to manage my symptoms as and when they flare up. One minute I could be content writing, the next I might be planning an event, shooting a video or educating someone on how to best to deliver their message. I get to be creative and create engaging content.
I also enjoy getting involved in M&B’s culture. A couple of key achievements are leading the social committee to climb Snowdon and Scafell Pike and helping to deliver our annual PRIDE Awards to around 2000 people over the course of a week.’
How would you describe what it’s like to work with MS?
‘Every day is different, but the thing that makes it most difficult to work around is the unpredictable nature of the disease. A lot of the ailments can’t be seen by the human eye, so it can be hard to explain to someone what I am feeling.
I first experienced symptoms of vertigo on my first working day in a corporate role some seven years ago, I thought it was the anxiety of a new role, but it turned out to be something very different! Over the following year, I experienced a number of relapses including numbness from the waist down, heat sensitivity, loss of eyesight for 3 weeks, walking difficulties, extreme fatigue and a large amount of brain fog!
Both the fatigue and brain fog are the most difficult symptoms for me working in a full-time role because I can’t predict when they are going to happen, and it sometimes stops me from reaching my full potential.’
What would you say to someone with MS thinking of working at M&B?
‘I would say don’t rule it out! M&B have always supported me throughout my journey. They have given me time for appointments, to adjust, and they’ve offered flexibility where it is needed to enable me to fulfil my role.
Of course, everyone’s symptoms are different, but there are roles at M&B that will suit everyone based on their capabilities. I think people naturally associate MS with a wheelchair and have a negative connotation of the disease, but with improved disease modifying drugs (DMDs) and a supportive company/line manager behind me, I truly believe anything is possible. I have the same chances as everyone else. Adjustments can be made to make your time at M&B easier so don’t let your self-beliefs hold you back.’
Any other advice you can give?
‘My best piece of advice when speaking to someone who you know has MS is to ask them how they are feeling and tell them you are there if they need you. The worst thing to say is “you don’t look ill” – sensitivity goes a long way as does compassion.’
Have you been inspired by Lou’s story?
There's a place for everyone in our pubs, bars, restaurants and head office, and we’re proud to have created a supportive place to work for someone with the unpredictable symptoms of MS. If you like the sound of the culture at M&B, and you’re looking for your next job where you can make a difference within an inclusive team, browse our available head office jobs today.
Alternatively, sign up to job alerts so you’re the first to know about our latest opportunities.
Receive articles like this
See what we're all about
We're shaping a workplace where everyone thrives. Explore the heart and soul of Mitchells & Butlers by checking out our guiding principles.
Some articles you might like
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
BlogPublish date
12/30/2022
Summary
The New Year is the perfect time to set some resolutions. Why? Because with Christmas behind you, it's easy to fall into a new year slump and ask yourself if you're in the right job. Setting
by
Scott Neilson
Teaser
Head OfficeContent Type
BlogPublish date
07/12/2022
Summary
Do you remember when M&B was simply a brewery? Well, there is one person who does and that is our longest serving employee Lynn Lyness, who this month, will be celebrating her 50-year anniversar
by
Steven Miles
Teaser
Head OfficeContent Type
BlogPublish date
07/06/2022
Summary
When you think of a job in hospitality what are the first thoughts that pop into your head? Serving up tasty dishes? Pouring drinks behind a bar? Waiting on tables? We thought so! And you wouldn’t
by
Steph Bull
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
BlogPublish date
05/17/2022
Summary
The moment the Second City has been waiting for is fast approaching. Birmingham is set to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games for the first time, putting us right up there with previous hosting cities, l
by
Amandeep Chahal
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
BlogPublish date
04/21/2022
Summary
Sustainability has become an increasingly important topic as we continue to see the impact of climate change around the world. At Mitchells & Butlers (M&B), sustainability is not just a buzzword
by
Sophie Percox
Teaser
Head OfficeContent Type
BlogPublish date
04/07/2022
Summary
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a part of an IT team at a large hospitality company such as Mitchells & Butlers? We spoke to Chris Brydges and Billy Balmer, who are both managers wi
Teaser
KitchenContent Type
BlogPublish date
04/05/2022
Summary
In any job you want to have fun, feel valued, enjoy what you do, and get rewarded and recognised along the way. As a Kitchen Manager at M&B, we can tick all those boxes for you and more. If you
by
Emily Smith
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
BlogPublish date
03/02/2022
Summary
At Mitchells and Butlers (M&B) we provide opportunities for anyone who is willing to work hard, have fun, and show their passion. We embrace the individuality of our people, because its the
by
Amandeep Chahal
Teaser
ManagementContent Type
BlogPublish date
02/28/2022
Summary
Assistant Managers at Mitchells and Butlers (M&B) are the bread and butter of hospitality. Guided by General Managers and Area Managers, and supported by a strong team, they help run our pub
by
Nicki Hodson
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
BlogPublish date
02/16/2022
Summary
Thinking about a hospitality job but don’t know where to start? Allow us to unveil the treasure trove of benefits awaiting you! perks cover our five wellbeing pillars and are available to every perso
by
Hazel Laughey
Jobs you might like...
Salary
Competitive Salary plus bonus, plus company car, mobile working
Location
Birmingham, B3 1JP
Departments
Property
Hours
Full Time
Vacancy Type
Head office role
Brand
Mitchells & Butlers
Location
Birmingham
Description
Are you a chartered Quantity Surveyor with a real passion for offering expert advice on construction costs? If so, we have a fantastic hybrid opportunity for a highly skilled professional looking to f
Reference
2171564
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Competitive Salary plus bonus, plus company car, mobile working
Location
Cross Green, WV10 7PW
Departments
Property
Hours
Full Time
Vacancy Type
Head office role
Brand
Mitchells & Butlers
Description
Area Building ManagerAre you a Qualified Building Surveyor with proven experience in Building and Facilities? If so, we have a great opportunity for you. Joining a well-established internal team of bu
Reference
2167734
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Competitive Salary plus bonus
Location
Birmingham, B3 1JP
Departments
Commercial
Hours
Full Time
Vacancy Type
Head office role
Brand
Mitchells & Butlers
Location
Birmingham
Description
Here at Mitchells & Butlers, we are one of the largest operators of pubs, bars and restaurants in the UK, with household name brands such as Toby Carvery, All Bar One, O’Neills and Miller & Carter to
Reference
2174158
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Perks of the job...
Love dining out? You'll love it even more with a massive 33% discount across all our brands when you join us. Whether it's date night at Miller & Carter or family roast at Toby Carvery, we’ve got you covered. See what other tasty benefits we offer…
Fancy an
award winning apprenticeship
Ever thought about an apprenticeship? Fire up your career with one of our multi-award winning apprenticeship programmes which are designed to give you the skills to become a hospitality pro.