Helen’s Journey to Employment

At 60 years old and living in Northampton, Helen faced some tough challenges. Recently widowed, she was dealing with the emotional toll of bereavement alongside financial pressures. After years of being a full-time carer for her husband, Helen was ready to return to the workforce and sought a part-time role that could help her regain a sense of purpose and social connection. However, her job search was filled with rejection, and she felt that employers overlooked her past experience in retail management and customer service due to her age and time away from the workforce.

Challenges and Approach

In June 2024, Helen was referred to the Restart Scheme by Job Centre Plus, where she met her Employment Coach, Bilqis.

Rather than diving straight into job applications, Bilqis focused on rebuilding Helen’s self-confidence. The Restart Scheme connected her with skill-building sessions through employment skills and behaviour change specialists, allowing Helen to refresh her job skills and regain her sense of self-worth. These sessions taught her essential job skills like interview preparation, understanding customer needs, and building professional relationships, culminating in a certificate in “Preparing for Learning, Employment and Career Progression.” 

Support and Success

With her confidence renewed, Helen gave Bilqis permission to introduce her directly to potential employers. Bilqis identified a part-time role at Mace, a local newsagent, and sent Helen’s CV to the employer. Helen was soon invited to a work trial, and her positive attitude and newfound confidence helped her secure the role. This part-time job at Mace was her first step back into employment, bringing her both social connection and a regular income.

Since starting with Mace, Helen has continued to grow. Inspired by her success, she has now been offered 16 hours a week in a role with One Stop, which means Helen is now working 31 hours per week across her roles. 

Reflection

Reflecting on Helen’s journey, Bilqis shared, “Working with Helen has been a true partnership. Watching her confidence grow has been inspiring.” For Helen, the experience has been transformative: “I’ve learnt so much about myself and feel valued again.”

Helen’s story shows how compassionate support and tailored skills development can change lives. Now thriving and optimistic, Helen’s journey exemplifies the power of the Restart Scheme in helping people rebuild their lives.

👉 Listen to Helen, in her own words about her journey and find out how the Restart Scheme is transforming lives.