A success story

Bruce’s success story.

Get Set for personalised health and employability support with Work Wise.

Work Wise | 23 January 2025

At Get Set UK, we’re committed to transforming lives through tailored support. In partnership with Surrey County Council, the Work Wise programme helps individuals with mental or physical health conditions, learning disabilities, or neurodiverse needs overcome barriers, rebuild confidence, and move toward brighter futures.

Breaking down barriers.

Bruce spent 22 years as a dedicated Production Manager, but the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic led to severe burnout, low self-esteem and crippling anxiety. His recovery from hip surgery further impacted his confidence and mobility, making job searches overwhelming. Whilst Bruce had taken on occasional temp jobs he felt “stuck,” doubting his abilities and fearing a relapse if he didn’t prioritise his mental health.

One-to-one guidance.

Bruce joined the Work Wise programme, after meeting Sakeena Choudhry, Get Set UK IPS Employment Specialist at Aldershot Mind. Sakeena’s empathetic approach helped Bruce feel supported and ready to take steps toward employment. Together, they worked to:

– Identify roles that matched Bruce’s extensive experience whilst addressing both his mental health concerns and employment barriers.

– Restructure his CV to highlight transferable skills that appeal to employers.

– Develop strategies for disclosing his needs to potential employers.

– Simplify job applications, breaking them into manageable tasks to reduce stress and prevent burnout.

Support to move forward.

One key moment came when Sakeena helped Bruce complete a challenging job application for a Work Coach role. Struggling to write a 500-word statement, Bruce felt “useless” until Sakeena guided him through the process enabling him to articulate his skills and experience effectively. Together, they successfully submitted the application, restoring Bruce’s confidence and optimism.

By focusing on Bruce’s unique needs, addressing his barriers, and providing compassionate, practical support, Sakeena has helped Bruce move forward with newfound confidence. Whilst his story is still unfolding, Bruce now feels equipped to continue his job search with renewed optimism and determination.

Find out more about our Work Wise programme here

“From the moment I met Bruce, I could sense how much anxiety and frustration he was carrying. Bruce hadn’t been out of work before. He felt guilty for focusing on his mental health, lost his confidence and felt “stuck” on how to apply for jobs. My goal was to create a space where he felt comfortable and empowered. I listened to his concerns, broke down overwhelming tasks into smaller, manageable steps, and worked with him to highlight his skills and experiences in a way that showcased his potential. Hearing Bruce say he felt understood and supported and seeing him now apply for jobs on his own is incredibly rewarding - it’s what drives me in this role.”

Sakeena Choudhry, Get Set UK IPS Employment Specialist

“From our very first meeting, I felt an immediate difference. Sakeena truly listened to me and understood my needs. She didn’t just rush through things, she took the time to break down my CV, showing me how it could be structured in a way that employers would appreciate. Her empathy and understanding made me feel comfortable enough to open up about my challenges, something I hadn’t been able to do before. I finally felt heard, and for the first time, I believed I could take meaningful steps toward my goals. I wanted to work with her because she made me feel supported, capable, and hopeful about the future. She believed in me when I no longer believed in myself.”

Bruce Marx, Work Wise participant

Read more success stories.

Get Set for opportunities.

We are ready to help you take your next step.

Get in touch

Get Set UK is the trading name of Get Skills Employment & Training Limited and Journey2work a registered charity. © 2024 Get Set UK. All rights reserved. Website Privacy Policy

Registered office: Get Set UK Second Floor, Quadrant House, 250 Kennington Lane, London, SE11 5RD