After facing personal challenges with gambling and substance misuse, David was referred to the Work and Health Programme by Devonport Jobcentre Plus. At that point in his life, he was looking for a way to rebuild his confidence and take the first steps towards a more stable and positive future.
David had also experienced trauma following an assault, which made it difficult to regain focus and self-belief. Like many people returning to work after a challenging period, he faced a combination of emotional and practical barriers. Despite this, he remained determined to move forward and make lasting changes.
With support from Seetec, David began working closely with his Employment Adviser, Katie. Through regular one-to-one sessions, he received tailored support that focused not just on employment, but on his overall wellbeing. This included confidence building, CV development and guidance to help him manage stress and regain a sense of direction.
Katie worked with David at a pace that suited him, giving him the time and space he needed to rebuild his confidence step by step. This personalised approach helped him stay engaged and begin to see real progress.
“Since meeting Katie and Seetec, it felt like the light at the end of the tunnel,” David said. “They gave me the time I needed to get my feet back under me and rebuild my confidence.”
“Since meeting Katie and Seetec, it felt like the light at the end of the tunnel. They gave me the time I needed to get my feet back under me and rebuild my confidence.
David.
As David’s confidence grew, he began to reconnect with his skills and experience. Through ongoing support and workshops, he rediscovered his passion for hospitality and catering. Although he had initially been unsure about returning to the sector, he started to see new opportunities and began thinking about how he could apply his experience in a different way.
Rather than returning to employment in the traditional sense, David chose to take a bold step and work for himself. With renewed confidence and a clear sense of purpose, he set his sights on building something of his own.
Today, David is the proud owner of Harry’s Café in Plymouth. His café has become a welcoming community space, bringing people together over good food and conversation. It reflects not only his passion for hospitality, but also the progress he has made on his journey.
Alongside running the café, David has also established his own coaching business. Through this, he offers business and catering qualifications, using his own experiences to support others in developing their skills and confidence. He is particularly passionate about helping people who may be facing their own barriers, and is keen to grow this work further in the future.
David’s journey highlights the importance of personalised support, patience and encouragement. With the right guidance, he was able to overcome significant challenges, rebuild his confidence and take control of his future.
His story is a powerful example of what can be achieved through the Work and Health Programme. It shows how, with determination and the right support in place, people can move forward from difficult circumstances and create meaningful, lasting change in their lives.
