Seafront success – Sarah’s story

When Sarah began her childcare qualification in 2020, she hoped it would lead to a rewarding career. However, finding work in the childcare sector proved challenging, and she faced difficulties building confidence in the workplace due to limited experience and a learning difficulty.

During her initial appointment, Sarah met with Employment Adviser Lara, who got to know her on a more personal level, identifying the barriers she faced. Together they discussed Sarah’s uncertainty about her career goals, low confidence when applying for jobs, and concerns about the level of support and training she might receive in a new role.

Our in-house courses help participants build key employability skills and boost confidence in a supportive group setting. Through practical activities and peer interaction, individuals develop communication, teamwork, and interview skills, preparing them for success in the workplace.

Together, Lara and Janet focused on building Sarah’s confidence and employability skills. She attended a wide range of courses designed to boost her self-belief and prepare her for job searching and applications. Lara said: “Sarah particularly enjoyed these sessions, finding them instrumental in helping her feel ready to take the next step.”

Exploring her hobbies and interests with Lara opened new possibilities. They identified alternative career paths that matched Sarah’s strengths and local opportunities. To prepare for employment, Sarah completed interview skills training and even took part in a mock interview to practice.

Eventually, Sarah decided she would love to work on the Scarborough seafront. With Lara’s support, she updated her CV and visited local independent businesses to hand it out in person. Her proactive approach paid off, and Sarah soon secured a role as an Ice Cream Attendant in a busy seafront kiosk.

The Restart Scheme offers practical, tailored support to remove barriers to employment. This includes funding for essential qualifications, providing interview clothing, and covering travel costs for interviews or the first days in a new role. By easing these financial pressures, the scheme helps participants focus on building confidence, gaining experience, and securing sustainable work.

Reflecting on her journey, Sarah shared that the appointments and courses with Lara and Janet gave her a huge boost in confidence along with the motivation to actively seek work. She is now enjoying her new job and excited to use the experience she’s gaining to continue working towards future roles.

Lara told us: “Sarah has really engaged with the programme and put in the effort to gain as much knowledge as possible. Her commitment has made a real difference to her confidence and progress.

“We wish Sarah all the best in her new job and for the future.”