Matt’s Journey: rebuilding and restoring confidence
Matt with his Restart Scheme coach, Mihaela, when he came back to deliver some training in the Northampton office
Hitting rock bottom
Matt, in his mid-forties from Northampton, had once run his own successful bailiff and debt recovery business. But when COVID-19 hit, his business collapsed, taking his sense of purpose with it. The sudden loss left him struggling with severe depression and anxiety. Feeling lost and overwhelmed, Matt found even the simplest daily tasks difficult. He had lost faith in the support available to him, believing that no one truly wanted to help.
In August 2022, Matt was referred to the Restart Scheme, which Jobs 22 delivers across East Central England on behalf of the DWP, to help people move back into work or self-employment. It was here that he met Mihaela, his dedicated Employment Coach.
Rebuilding trust and stability
From their very first meeting, Mihaela recognised that Matt needed more than just job support—he needed to rebuild his confidence and sense of self. Instead of rushing into employment goals, she took the time to listen.
“The first step was arranging longer meetings,” Mihaela explained. “He needed to feel heard before we could move forward.”
Over the next few months, Mihaela created a safe space where Matt could talk openly about his struggles. Once a foundation of trust was built, she introduced structured support, including a calendar organiser to help him establish routine and stability. This simple tool played a vital role in helping Matt regain control over his days.
Recognising the depth of his anxiety and depression, Mihaela referred him to Healthfind, which provides health and well-being support to help people regain stability to enable them to move towards employment. This step proved to be life-changing. With the right help, Matt began managing his anxiety more effectively and slowly regained confidence in himself and others.
A new future takes shape
As his time on the Scheme neared its end, Matt still feared the unknown. The idea of starting again was daunting. But this time, he wasn’t alone—he had the tools, support network, and self-belief to move forward.
Encouraged by Mihaela, Matt renewed his SIA (Security Industry Authority) licence and, in the process, met Nas, a trainer who saw real potential in him. Inspired by their conversations, Matt realised he wanted to become a trainer himself—helping others who, like him, had once struggled to see a way forward.
Returning as a trainer
Fast forward to February 2025, and Matt walked back into the Jobs 22 Northampton office—not as a participant, but as a trainer. Seeing him return as a professional ready to support others was an emotional moment for Mihaela.
“It was overwhelming,” she said. “Seeing someone who had once been so lost now standing strong, ready to help others—it reminded me why we do what we do.”
Since leaving the Restart Scheme, Matt has not only become a trainer but has also worked with one of the largest US close protection companies. He has rebuilt his life, found his purpose, and is now giving back by helping others thrive.
Reflecting on his journey, Matt shared: "Jobs 22 made me believe that there are good people in the world who truly want to help. I came out of the Scheme believing that I can do it on my own if I build positive relationships. I felt understood and listened to. The Restart Scheme, through Jobs 22 was the first place that made it possible for me to regain myself again.”
The Restart Scheme is not just about finding a job—it’s about addressing underlying service needs, to create a sustainable path back into employment. Matt’s journey is an inspiration not just to those facing similar challenges but also to the dedicated teams at Jobs 22, showing just how life-changing their work can be.