Restart Scheme
After being unemployed for over a year, Lauren lacked confidence and felt she would not have the time to find a job as a single mother whilst also enrolled at the Open University. As well as feeling she didn’t have the right qualifications and experience, Lauren felt anxious and upset about being unemployed.
Lauren felt reassured from the initial meeting with her Groundwork job coach, Rabia, that the Restart Scheme was a perfect fit for her. They built a strong rapport and Lauren’s self-belief grew giving her the push she needed .
In the first meeting it was clear to Rabia that a loss of confidence was a barrier for Lauren. Rabia introduced the STAR* method as a way to overcome this. Together they worked through updating Lauren’s CV to determine past experience, allowing Lauren to see how much potential she truely had. They focused on Lauren’s strengths and then discussed training opportunities to address any room for development.
Following ongoing support from Rabia, Lauren has secured a retail position offering flexible hours suitable for her busy life as a single mother. The role has encouraged Lauren’s bubbly and talkative personality to thrive and has boosted her confidence.
Rabia and Lauren are still in regular contact. Since receiving tailored support, the Restart Scheme has removed all the barriers which prevented Lauren from working. Now in employment, she has the confidence to go on and pursue in-work career development opportunities.
*STAR: Situation, Task, Action, Result: The STAR method | National Careers Service
