Success story.

When Participant A, relocated to the UK from Ukraine, she faced more than the usual challenges of settling into a new country. Living with a health condition meant she needed reasonable adjustments at work, something her first UK employer couldn’t provide. Despite her best efforts, she was left with little choice but to resign, which knocked her confidence and left her uncertain about her future. 

That’s when she was referred to Work Wise, delivered by Get Set UK on behalf of Surrey County Council. From the very first meeting, Participant A and her Employment Specialist built a supportive relationship focused on her strengths, aspirations, and the right kind of workplace environment where she could thrive. Together, they worked on job applications, interview practice, action planning, and important conversations about disclosure and adjustments. 

Week by week, Participant A’s confidence grew. She began volunteering to support fellow Ukrainians in her community helping with translations, encouraging others to join English classes, and even studying for her own GCSE in English. This not only improved her skills but also gave her a renewed sense of purpose. 

Her hard work paid off, successfully securing a full-time role as an Assistant Business Support Officer with Woking Borough Council. The Council provided the reasonable adjustments she needed, ensuring she could settle into her role with confidence. Today, she is thriving in a stable role, proud of her achievements, and determined to keep moving forward. 

Participant A’s story shows the real difference IPS (Individual Placement and Support) can make to help people overcome barriers, rebuild their confidence, and find an employer that truly values them. Her journey with Work Wise has been a turning point, proving that with the right support, new beginnings are always possible. 

Find out more about the Work Wise programme here.