As one of the biggest providers of specialist employment support programmes in the country, our teams are dedicated to helping thousands of people overcome barriers to employment and return to the labour market. Through Work and Health Programme Pioneer, we’ve been helping those who are long-term unemployed to learn new skills and find sustainable employment across London, Wales and Southern England.
Abbie’s journey
In Cardiff, after being made redundant during the pandemic, Abbie, 25, found her anxiety levels increased to such an extent that she was unable to consider finding work.
She explained: “The pandemic really triggered my anxiety and when I was made redundant, I felt relaxed about staying at home with my family, where I naturally became a carer for my mum who struggles with her mental health. I started to become more and more isolated, scared to go out in public. I no longer had the headspace to think about finding work which affected my confidence.”
Despite being unemployed for three years, Abbie was determined to get back on track. So when her local job centre referred her to WHP Pioneer in December 2023, she welcomed the support on offer.
Working closely with her dedicated Employment Advisor, Megan Bain, Abbie was referred to a member of our Community Partnership Network (CPN), Pure Insights, for help to manage her anxiety.
Megan said: “Abbie lost her dad at 19, and after being made redundant in 2020, she became the sole carer for her family. She neglected her own needs as she focused on family and home. This resulted in her struggling with anxiety and depression. So our primary focus in the first instance was to provide her with wellbeing support before we could tackle anything else.
“We met on a weekly basis, both in the office and in local coffee shops, which took her out of her comfort zone, but was crucial for building her confidence and managing her anxiety.”
As Abbie’s anxiety started to improve, she received in-house employability development and counselling sessions, created a new CV and completed customer service and hospitality skills courses through another of our CPN members, Digital College.
Transforming lives through tailored support
With Megan’s continued support, Abbie started to feel more positive about her future and began attending employer insight sessions and open days with newfound confidence.
She recalled: “When I went to an insight session at St David’s Shopping Centre, being around new people showed me that I was ready to get back to work as it really excited me. I felt ready and more confident than I’ve felt in a long time.”
In August 2024, following seven months of tailored support, Abbie successfully interviewed for a bartender position with Wales Millennium Centre.
Megan continues to support Abbie after securing employment, and spoke of her pride: “Seeing Abigail in work fills me with an immense sense of pride and joy. Not only has she found work, but she’s found sustainable employment, and that is truly rewarding.”
Reflecting on her experience, Abbie concluded: “The help I received from Maximus has been life changing and I will be eternally grateful for all the support. Now I’m working I have a new lease of life, I’m happier and content and I’ve been given a lifeline. Thank you.”
