Gareth* was referred to Individual Placement and Support (IPS) by the Crisis team after leaving a long-term professional role following an ongoing workplace matter.
The experience had a significant impact on their confidence and self-esteem, and they struggled to recognise the many transferable skills they had developed throughout their career.
The Employment Specialist worked closely with Gareth to identify barriers to employment, explore alternative career options, and consider locations where they felt comfortable seeking work, as they were anxious about encountering people they knew in their local area.
Initially, they preferred to manage applications independently and were reluctant to accept support, believing they could navigate the job search process alone.
Over time, a strong and trusting relationship developed. Gareth became more receptive to guidance, allowing the Employment Specialist to obtain employer feedback on unsuccessful applications and provide constructive advice. This proved to be a key turning point. Through tailored CV support and a focus on highlighting transferable skills, the service user secured an interview for a temporary position that closely matched their strengths in communication, organisation, coordination and stakeholder engagement.
Reflecting on the support received, Gareth said:
“You are an absolute star! I just received a phone call from the employment agency for that job we applied for yesterday and you were 1000% on the button about rejigging the CV. In fact, the details about a senior position within the organisation helped strengthen my application, so thank you!”
The Employment Specialist then provided interview preparation, helping Gareth build confidence, communicate their experience effectively, and demonstrate how their skills could transfer successfully into a new sector. As a result, they were offered the role the very next day.
The position has proved to be an excellent fit. It enabled Gareth to utilise many of the skills developed throughout their career while gaining experience in a new working environment. Importantly, securing and succeeding in the role helped rebuild their confidence following a particularly difficult period, providing reassurance that they still had valuable skills and much to offer an employer. As they settled into the post, their confidence continued to grow through positive workplace experiences, new achievements and recognition from colleagues and managers.
More than three months later, Gareth remains in post and thriving. Feedback from the employer has been consistently positive, recognising their professionalism, adaptability and valuable contribution to the team. The employer has highlighted how well Gareth has integrated into the role and indicated the possibility of offering permanent employment in the future, demonstrating the positive impression they have made since joining the organisation.
This outcome demonstrates the value of sustained IPS support and the impact of building trust and engagement over time. By embracing feedback and support from the Employment Specialist, Gareth was able to recognise their strengths, rebuild their confidence, successfully transfer their skills into a new sector, and secure a role that was not only a good fit for their abilities but also provided a positive foundation for their future career.
- *This service user's name has been anonymised at their request.
