Rebuilding confidence - Josef’s story

When Josef joined the Restart Scheme, he was experiencing challenges that had impacted his confidence, including mental health factors and a difficult experience in a previous role. Josef was involved in a workplace accident that left him feeling unsupported and anxious about returning to work.

The Restart Scheme provides personalised support tailored to each participant’s needs, offering guidance and practical assistance that builds confidence and supports progress into finding suitable and sustainable paid employment.

During his initial appointment he met with his Employment Adviser Sophie, who identified his barriers to work, and areas for support. Sophie shared: “From our first meeting, I could tell by Josef’s story that he needed a safe and supportive space to talk openly about his concerns.

“I listened carefully as he described how the accident had affected his self-esteem and how the experience had made him fearful of starting a new job. I provided guidance and reassurance that his feelings were valid and that he did not need to face this journey alone.

“Together, we have focused on rebuilding his confidence, at a pace suitable for him. I helped him to identify his strengths, transferrable skills, whilst setting realistic goals, and by creating a CV to highlight all of this he gradually recognised how he could find meaningful work again.

“Week by week, Josef’s mindset began to shift. With consistent encouragement, he started to believe in himself and to see a future beyond his past experiences.”

Josef completed several in-house workshops and taster sessions with employers, which helped him to build on confidence from working in group settings with other like-minded people. It was at an employer taster session where he met with a contact of ours at a local facilities management business. Josef was invited to interview and was fully prepared with mock interviews and practice questions by Sophie and the team.

The Restart Scheme provides financial support to help participants prepare for employment, with interview clothing, travel costs, and essential PPE or workwear. This support helps individuals feel confident and presentable at interviews, while also removing financial barriers when transitioning from benefits into paid employment.

“Following his interview, Josef has been offered a role as a Cleaning Operative and is looking forward to creating the stability and routine that this role will bring him. Most importantly, he feels confident again", said Sophie.

“Josef's journey is a powerful reminder of how life-changing compassionate support can be. With the right guidance and someone truly in his corner, he overcame his fears, rebuilt his confidence, and is preparing himself to step back into employment with pride.”