Balancing life and work – Benys’s story

When Benys joined the Restart Scheme, she was seeking a flexible but stable role that suited her family life. With three young children and a partner working during the day, she needed a job that fit around her home commitments. Despite her experience in cleaning and hospitality, she felt unsure about her prospects and needed support to find a job that matched both her skills and her circumstances.

During her initial appointment, Benys met her Employment Adviser, Angela, who took the time to understand her situation and the challenges she was facing in finding work. Together, they created an action plan to overcome these barriers and work towards securing sustainable employment.

Angela shared: “Benys was always positive about finding work, though at times she struggled with her confidence. I reminded her that the right job would come and we never gave up. Her main barrier was childcare and with three young children she needed night work to support her family while keeping her independence.

“I enrolled her onto several in-house courses to build her confidence and update her labour market knowledge after taking time out to raise her children. We applied for many nightshift roles, but she was unsuccessful at first. When an Amazon vacancy came up, I supported her with the application, and she performed well at the interview.”

Benys has now started her new job, working four nights a week, which has made such a positive impact on her life, family routine, and confidence.

Benys told us: “I am so grateful for everything Angela has done. She has kept me on track and gave me the strength to keep looking for work. On days when I felt low, Angela would call or text, and her messages always lifted me and kept me going. I thank her for never giving up on me and for all her support. I’ve now started my new job, I love it, and I’m so thankful she put me forward for it.”

The support doesn’t stop once a participant starts work. Like Benys, many continue to receive in-work support to help them adjust to employment, overcome early challenges, and stay on track in their new role.

“I have enjoyed supporting Benys on her journey back to work, and I am so proud of her and feel lucky to have been able to work with her,” said Angela.