Restart success stories.

What was their situation?

Our specialist Employment Advisors work with individuals to coach them back into employment and help break down barriers that may be holding them back from finding a job.

Veronique Bellingy, aged 27, joined The Restart Scheme, ran in partnership with FEDCAP, to gain support to become self-employed. She had previously owned a cake business which had been severely impacted by COVID, resulting in her having to sell her equipment, close the business and become unemployed. Working with her Employment Advisor, Toby Franklin, Veronique discussed that she had two potential clients but was struggling financially to afford equipment and travel costs to meet new clients. Toby worked with Veronique to understand the potential business opportunity, also supporting her with travel expenses and helping to apply for funding to restart her cake business. Veronique successfully secured funding to buy the equipment she needed as well as secure two regular contracts with a third on the way. She is now self-employed and has a new goal of opening a chain of cake shops.

Hafija Akther, aged 24 joined The Restart Scheme, ran in partnership with Maximus, as she wanted support finding her first job. She was unsure of where to start in her job search and had issues with childcare that created a barrier to finding a suitable role. Her Employment Advisor helped her create a CV that focused on her skills and supported her with childcare advice and clothing after she secured several interviews. With improved confidence and motivation from her Employment Advisor, Hafija went on to secure a job as an office assistant.