Gary* had struggled to find a job since the early '90s. He experienced many barriers to employment. Past criminal convictions led to time in prison. He also lost some family members. This led to a severe decline in his mental health and he had a history of anger management and behaviour issues.

Gary came to the Restart Scheme through the Job Centre to get the support he needed to turn his life around.  His Job Coach, Adele Trotman, spent time getting know him. She identified opportunities to help him get back to work. This included support which would aid Gary with his mental health challenges. She recommended Gary take on a volunteering role. This would build his work experience to help transition into paid employment.

Gary has been volunteering at Growing Spaces since May 2023. Growing Spaces is a local mental health charity. Gary works at their Tredegar House grounds in Duffryn, Newport. Here, he helps to maintain the grounds and gardens. Gary has since been calmer, more positive and engages in everything and with an open mind.

His Job Coach Adele said this about his transformation:

“Gary is thoroughly enjoying his time at Growing Spaces. He phones me weekly with updates and says how wonderful the team are there. I also received feedback from staff and other volunteers at the charity. They talk about how hard he works, and how enthusiastic he is.”

As a result of the volunteering at Growing Spaces, Gary was offered a paid opportunity. He has been working one day a week since the 19th of May. Gary enjoys his work at the charity, which has set him on a path to fully re-entering the workforce in the future.

*Pseudonym

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