“I wake up in the morning with a smile on my face now that I have a job.”

Darren joined the programme in February after being referred by Brixham Jobcentre with a clear personal goal: to regain a sense of purpose and rebuild the structure and stability he felt he had lost after a period out of work. He spoke openly about how important routine was to his wellbeing, and how unemployment had impacted his confidence, motivation, and day-to-day mental health.

His journey strongly reflects this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week theme, “Take Action”, demonstrating how small, supported steps can lead to meaningful and lasting change. For Darren, taking action meant committing to rebuilding his routine, engaging with support, and actively working towards employment at a pace that felt manageable and sustainable for him.

From the outset, Darren was supported by the wider Seetec team, including his Employment Adviser, Amber, and Employability Trainer, Rob, who delivered structured workshops. This blended approach of 1:1 guidance and group-based learning gave Darren both personalised support and a sense of shared progress alongside others on similar journeys.

Through tailored sessions with his adviser, Darren focused on practical employability skills, including developing a strong, up-to-date CV that reflected his strengths and experience. He also worked on completing job applications with greater confidence, breaking down what had previously felt overwhelming into clear, achievable steps. Interview preparation sessions helped him to build self-belief and reduce anxiety around speaking to employers, allowing him to approach opportunities with a more positive mindset.

Alongside this, Darren attended confidence and motivation workshops, as well as sessions focused on effective job searching techniques. These sessions played an important role in supporting his mental wellbeing as well as his employability. By reintroducing structure into his week, encouraging consistent engagement, and providing a supportive environment, Darren was able to rebuild routine and regain a sense of direction. This routine became a key factor in improving his motivation and overall outlook.

Importantly, Darren’s progress was not just about employment outcomes, but about actively improving his day-to-day wellbeing. Having regular contact with the team, setting small goals, and seeing consistent progress helped him to rebuild confidence and reduce feelings of isolation. Each step forward, whether completing an application or attending a workshop, contributed to a stronger sense of purpose.

The combined support from Seetec gave Darren the tools, encouragement, and structure he needed to move forward. With ongoing job matching support, consistent guidance, and reassurance from the team, he remained focused and determined in his job search, even when challenges arose.

Within just two months, Darren secured a sustainable role as a cleaner in a position close to home. This achievement marked a significant milestone in his journey, providing not only employment but also stability, routine, and a renewed sense of purpose. The role has helped him re-establish daily structure, improve his wellbeing, and regain confidence in his ability to maintain long-term employment.

“I wake up in the morning with a smile on my face now that I have a job. Seetec has helped me so much with my CV, job applications and with different courses. I get up every morning with purpose.

Darren.

“Darren was a pleasure to support. From the very beginning he showed real determination to make a change and fully engaged with all the support available to him. He took every opportunity to build his skills and confidence, and it’s been fantastic to see him now settled in a role that has given him stability, structure, and a real sense of purpose. His progress is a great example of what can be achieved when someone is supported to take those first steps forward.

Amber, his employment adviser.

Darren’s journey highlights the importance of taking action, no matter how small the steps may feel at the beginning. His experience demonstrates how personalised, consistent support combined with individual commitment can make a meaningful difference to both employment outcomes and mental wellbeing. Through rebuilding routine, engaging with support, and taking active steps forward, Darren has successfully created a more stable and positive foundation for his future.

Could BOOST help you to overcome your barriers and get back to work? Ask your Jobcentre Plus work coach about the Restart Scheme.