Boarding a new future: Chantal’s cruise to confidence

A wheelchair user for much of her life, doctors once doubted she’d even make it to adulthood – but she defied every expectation.

She’s no stranger to work either. In her earlier years, Chantal was an office manager and fundraiser for a Bristol-based charity, a job she loved – until the charity sadly closed.

From there, life took a different turn.

But six years ago, she made a decision: she wanted to return to work.

“I missed the independence. I missed the structure,” she says.

Referred for tailored support

Despite her determination, the job hunt proved tough.

Chantal applied for dozens of roles online with little success, fearing that her disability was being judged more than her potential.

Feeling stuck but not ready to give up, she turned to her Jobcentre Plus in Yate.

Her work coach referred her to Seetec for more tailored support.

That’s when things started to change.

Chantal joined Seetec in May 2024.

With guidance from her employment adviser David, she took part in employability training and even joined a routeway with a national insurance provider.

When that opportunity didn’t lead to a job, Chantal was understandably disappointed.

“I remember feeling deflated. I told David I wanted to give up. But he wasn’t having any of it.”

Instead, David introduced her to Hardeep from Kaleidoscope, a specialist organisation supporting disabled people into meaningful employment.

And that’s when the magic really began.

Why not tell them that?

Hardeep didn’t just ask about work. He asked about Chantal’s passions. And she lit up.

“I love trains. I love cruises. And I know, as a disabled customer, there’s so much that cruise companies could improve,” she enthuses.

Hardeep challenged her: ‘Why not tell them that?’

Together, they crafted letters to the CEOs of cruise companies, pitching a bold idea; to hire Chantal as a Disability Consultant to help improve accessibility onboard.

And now, just two months later, Chantal is preparing for an interview with P&O Cruises.

Lived experience

What made the difference this time?

For Chantal, it’s simple: someone truly understood.

Hardeep’s own journey – leaving a 25-year career in finance after his son was born with a disability – led him to launch Kaleidoscope.

Originally a platform to help disabled entrepreneurs access funding, it’s now a specialist disability recruitment and advisory service, working hand-in-hand with Seetec.

“Hardeep just got it,” Chantal says.

“I finally felt like I was being heard – and I started believing in myself again.”

Her employment adviser, David, agrees: “Chantal’s been through so much, but her progress these last two months has been phenomenal.

“Getting this interview is a huge milestone!”

Chantal is now one step away from turning her lived experience into a career where she can make a real difference. And no matter the outcome, she’s already won.

“I’m not just applying for jobs anymore – I’m creating opportunities,” she smiles. “This is the most confident I’ve ever felt.”

As she prepares for her big interview, the whole Seetec and Kaleidoscope team are behind her, cheering her on.

With Kaleidoscope now partnering with Seetec across the Southwest, more customers like Chantal are discovering new ways to reach their potential.

“Chantal is a shining example of what happens when you shift the narrative,” Hardeep says. “We’re not just helping people find work. We’re helping them find purpose.”

And for Chantal, that journey is only just beginning.