A new direction – Gemma’s story

When Gemma joined the Restart Scheme, her aim was to grow her small plumbing business. But after her first appointment, she realised the programme offered far more. It helped her rebuild confidence, overcome personal barriers, and open new doors.

With the support of her Employment Adviser Stuart and one‑to‑one sessions with our Skills Trainer, Gemma began tackling the challenges she felt had been holding her back. Through a range of in‑house courses and coaching, she worked through past trauma, addressed long‑standing mental blocks, and regained clarity and self-belief.

Gemma told us: “I began to look forward to the future with a clear mind, increased self‑confidence and self‑esteem.”

Our teams provide dedicated wellbeing support through one‑to‑one coaching, specialist services, and practical courses that help participants build resilience, manage challenges, and improve their mental wellbeing as they work towards their goals.

Gemma made full use of the support available through Reed Wellbeing, taking part in regular one‑to‑one sessions and completing virtual courses focused on mindfulness and healthy living. She also accessed counselling through our partner Working Minds, which became a key part of her progress.

Alongside this, Gemma immersed herself in the in‑house Skills Academy. The courses strengthened her employability skills and boosted her confidence, helping her move closer to her business goals.

As her skills and self‑belief grew, Gemma felt ready to take on a part‑time job to reduce the pressure of relying solely on self‑employment. With support from Recruitment Manager Alex, she was matched with a flexible, understanding employer who offered the right environment for her next step.

The Restart Scheme supports those pursuing self‑employment by offering tailored coaching, training, and guidance to help develop viable business ideas and to build the confidence needed to succeed.

Stuart told us: “Gemma’s journey didn’t stop there. A Wellbeing Services event was held in our Chatham office, where Gemma took the opportunity to network with domestic‑violence charities and support various organisations. They immediately recognised the value of her female‑only plumbing service, opening the door to a powerful new client base and giving her business a meaningful social impact.

Gemma shared: “Over the past year I have worked with the team at the Restart Scheme and witnessed firsthand, their passion for the success of their clients. Success comes in many forms, from improvement of mental health to dealing effectively with the neurodiverse, and the Restart Scheme is not the beginning and end of my journey, it is a chapter, a step in the right direction.

“My amazing Employment Adviser, Stuart simply helped show me the way and offered the right opportunities for me to succeed, I can’t thank the team enough!”