Restart Scheme
Rachel joined the Restart Scheme in August 2023, where she started her journey of personal and professional transformation.
Since 2021, Rachel had been on a sick note due to ongoing physical health issues, including degenerative osteoarthritis in her hip and knee. The constant pain and physical limitations took a toll on her mental health, severely affecting her confidence and leaving her uncertain about the future. For two years, she struggled to find a path forward.
When she joined the Restart Scheme in August, Rachel was assigned Ashley Hill from Seetec Plus as her Job Coach. Rachel was ready for a change but didn’t know where to begin. Working with Ashley, she immersed herself in every opportunity available, attending courses that the Worcester office ran including Multiply, Business Support, 50+, and National Careers Service (NCS) sessions. Each course gave her valuable skills and purpose, especially as she shifted her focus toward self-employment.
With her interest in crafting, Rachel began creating small products including wax melts. She initially sold them to her friends and family, and soon began promoting her creations at local fairs and on social media. What started as a hobby, quickly grew into a budding business idea.
The Restart Scheme provided the support Rachel needed to pursue her goals by helping pay for online courses to build her business skills and secure a refurbished laptop, which enabled her to manage the digital aspects of her enterprise. The team at Seetec Plus also connected her with Worcester Community Trust (WCT), who supported her with her Work Capability Assessment (WCA) review to receive necessary modifications to her home, such as installing rails and a bath board, improving her day-to-day life.
With these changes in place, Rachel became a different person. Her confidence soared and she found herself not only happier but also equipped with a clear business plan. Her focus on her wax melt business is sharper than ever, and she is now focused to grow her brand and reach a wider audience.
