Gareth's Journey: Triumphing over anxiety to find a new career in security

When Gareth first began his journey with Jobs 22, his confidence was low. He was struggling with his mental health and had been unemployed for almost a decade. Upon joining the Restart Scheme on December 21, 2022, Gareth embarked on a journey that would see him learn to manage his health better, regain his confidence, and find a job.

In the initial weeks and months of the scheme, Gareth immersed himself in several activities. With the guidance of a skills trainer, he participated in sessions on confidence and motivation. He took the initiative to revisit his CV, updating it to reflect his abilities accurately. Despite being unemployed since 2010, Gareth was determined to turn the tide.

Gareth's transformation was accelerated by his support from Healthfind, where Employment Coach Jenni Cabena referred him. Through eight intensive one-on-one sessions with Health Coach Sohaib Hafeez, Gareth confronted his anxieties. These anxieties were rooted in feeling dismissed and the fear of inheriting a family condition. The sessions were instrumental in providing him with strategies to manage these fears.

The Jobs 22 and Healthfind teams worked closely together, ensuring Gareth had the flexibility he needed to attend his specialist appointment. The appointment, which revealed his condition to be less severe than anticipated, was a turning point in Gareth's journey. This was the boost that Gareth needed and spurred him on to find work.

Employment Coach Jenni continued to support Gareth and enrolled him on a Security Industry Authority (SIA) course. Although apprehensive at first, Gareth's anxiety was under control and well-managed, thanks to regular appointments with his health coach. He successfully completed the course, marking an important milestone in his employment journey.

Jenni enrolled Gareth in three further courses through Digital College to boost his confidence. Keen to enhance his skills and break into the security sector, Gareth welcomed the opportunity.

Jenni then referred Gareth to Event Cover, where he completed a four-week security course in Birmingham. During an assessment preceding the course, it was discovered that Gareth faced challenges in literacy.

Jenni took swift action, arranging another assessment after discussing the situation with the training provider. Gareth successfully cleared the assessment and completed the course, for which he received travel costs and the funds to cover his lunch. Upon completion, Gareth secured a role as an event steward with Progress Staffing Solution. Jenni discussed in-work support with Gareth and his employer and arranged funding for his workwear to help him start his new role.

Today, Gareth continues his journey with Jobs 22, receiving support from the In Work Support Team to ensure a smooth transition into working life.