Positive mindset – Mark’s story

Mark was referred to the Restart Scheme after a long period of time unemployed. Read in his own words how he managed to overcome his worries around taking the next steps into finding sustainable employment with the support of his Employment Adviser, Shelley.

“When I joined the Restart Scheme, I was given the chance to complete multiple training courses and gain interview skills that I didn’t have before. Since joining, the team have even helped me to achieve my dream of finding a job!

“The team at Restart have been brilliant, and so supportive along the way. Anyone that needs their support should take full advantage and I would fully recommend them.

“My biggest barrier to overcome was getting into the mindset of finding work and having someone there to help reach the mindset of ‘I can do it’, and that it isn’t all doom and gloom.

“When you’re on benefits for so long, it can be scary to think about going into work, because you worry how you will survive starting out, and navigating finances again. My Employment Adviser, Shelley, was able to put my mind at ease when worried about finances."

Our Better Off Calculation provides a clear insight on the money that can be earned through full and part-time hours. We work together with participants, like Mark, to calculate this against bills, childcare and any other outgoings for clarity on the potential earnings they could make.

“Shelley and the team have really helped me to overcome barriers and improve my confidence. My time with the Restart Scheme has definitely had a positive impact on my life, and now I have a stable routine that I enjoy.”

Our Employment Advisers are on hand to support at every stage of their journey back into employment. We assess our participants job readiness, transferrable skills, and readiness to change by working together with an individual action plan, to gradually prepare them for employment and working life.

“Now that I’m working again, my next ambition is to get my driving licence and then a car. This will open even more doors for me and my career in care work. I’m currently working in domiciliary care, however, if I can get a car, I will eventually be able to take on regional care too, which would allow me to take my patients for nice days out.”

In-work support is provided by the Restart Scheme and is available for the first six months of participants starting work. This is arranged with the participant at a time and frequency that suits them and their needs at the time.