“Feeling better than I have in years” – Kristian’s story

Kristian was referred to the Restart Scheme during a difficult time in his life, he was struggling with his mental health and lacked confidence finding work.

During his initial appointment with Employment Adviser, Lucy, Kristian explained his current situation and that didn’t have a fixed abode. Lucy worked with him to provide guidance and support, directing him to the right contacts where he could find suitable housing for himself. As a priority, Lucy assisted Kristian with his housing application forms, before they began to work on his plan of action. This focused on Kristian's barriers and what they could do to break these down one by one, to prepare him mentally and physically to begin his job search.

Kristian told us:

“At the time, I had mental health issues and was very anxious about joining the Restart Scheme. I got to know Lucy well, and her friendly demeanour never made my journey to find work feel like a chore.

“The courses helped me to identify what I wanted to do and what I could do. As my confidence built, I signed up for further courses with Derek: rebooting my CV, interview skills and techniques, to name a few. All courses gave me the confidence to move forward.

“I then met Employment Adviser, Jamie, who was also supportive, active, and helpful. The confidence he had in me helped me keep going.

“After taking part on a course held by the Forward Trust, I was invited for an interview. Feeling better than I have in years, I went to the interview with confidence, prepared for the questions. Two days later I was offered a job that I had really wanted.”

Kristian was successful in getting a job in the waste management sector with his local council. He was really pleased as this type of active role he was looking for. The Restart Scheme provided Kristian with vouchers for new clothes to wear at his interview and to start work with, alongside the travel costs for the first month of his employment, so that he wasn’t financially impacted on his transition back into work.

“I would like to say a massive thank you to all the Restart team at Chatham, especially to Lucy, Derek, and Jamie. Without your support and instruction, I wouldn’t have been able to do any of this, I really appreciate all that you have done to help me get where I am today.”