Comprehensive outreach support
A severe mental health breakdown left Polly from Winchester receiving therapy and unsure of her next steps.
After signing up for Universal Credit, she wanted to get back to work.
Keen to support, Jobcentre Plus work coach, Monica (pictured left) referred Polly to the Work and Health Programme with Seetec.
Seetec offers a comprehensive employability outreach support service to eligible participants across Hampshire.
Next steps
Polly met with her first employment adviser, Charlotte to build a plan to help her move forward with her life.
Charlotte suggested a social care bootcamp with Itchen College to help Polly to upskill.
Having completed the bootcamp, Polly met with employment adviser Harj for help with her next steps.
Polly was feeling nervous about the idea of starting a new job and anxiety was getting the best of her.
Harj identified some options to help Polly to manage how she was thinking and feeling
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Tackling anxiety
Harj enlisted the help of employability trainer, Sam, who delivers both employability skills and health and wellbeing support too.
Polly wanted to overcome the fear of not fitting in at work and creating a more positive mindset.
She joined Sam’s outreach training sessions, they covered health and wellbeing and budgeting too.
Polly tells us; “Those wellbeing courses made such a difference on my mental health and focusing on the positives.”
She continues; “I didn’t have to travel far and Sam made me feel at ease, it was good to interact with others.”
The training proved to be just right for helping Polly with tackling anxiety, it encouraged her to start applying for jobs.
WorkFit ‘In Work Support’
Polly’s breakthrough moment came when she was offered a healthcare assistant position at a local hospital.
Recalling her feelings in the moment, Polly says; “I was so happy and could not believe it!”
With the start date looming, Polly’s anxiety returned and Harj was there once again to support.
She introduced Polly to Seetec WorkFit coach, Teresa who provides specialist interventions to support those who are in work.
Polly speaks positively about WorkFit ‘In Work Support’ as she tells us; “Teresa was great with helping me to manage my anxiety, she taught me how to use CBT techniques to reframe my thinking.”
This support has helped Polly when it came to connecting with people in her new workplace.
Next chapter
Excited about her future again, Polly credits her success to the collaboration between Jobcentre Plus, Seetec, Itchen College and WorkFit.
In summary of her journey, Polly adds; “I was in such a dark place when I started this journey, but now, I’m closer to my dream of becoming a nurse.”
In addition to Seetec WorkFit support, Polly remains in regular contact with Mike, who is her current Jobcentre Plus work coach.
She concludes; “None of this would have been possible without all the help I’ve received, thank you Charlotte, Sam, Teresa, Monica, Mike and Harj – I’m ready for this next chapter.”
What a fantastic tale of perseverance, all the best with becoming a nurse and the journey ahead.
Support that fits your needs
Can tailored support help you to improve your wellbeing and overcome your barriers to work?
Ask your Jobcentre Plus work coach about the Restart Scheme.
