From Rock Bottom to Restart - A Journey Of Recovery
July 19, 2024Posted by:
Marcin was referred to the Restart Scheme in Darlington in May 2023 by the Jobcentre. He attended 12 interviews but failed to attend 22 other interviews. He also failed to attend 6 courses he was booked onto with the Skills Trainer. However, despite a bad start, Marcin did find work from August to September 2023 and for another employer between October to November 2023. Marcin walked out of both jobs.
Marcin admitted that he had an alcohol addiction and no longer had support at home from his friends or family. Nicola, our Rapid Response Advisor tried to help Marcin and advised him to get help via his GP, and to contact ‘We Are With You’ (a charity that offers support with drug and alcohol addiction). Unfortunately, due to severe deterioration in his health he was frequently admitted to hospital. However, he always stayed in touch with Nicola when this happened and she encouraged him to get the help he is entitled to receive via the Crisis Team. To add to his problems Marcin had also become very depressed following the death of his friend at his flat. At every stage, Nicola encouraged Marcin to accept professional help for his trauma and bereavement - through 'We Are With You' or The Samaritans. Sadly, at this point in his life Marcin was not ready to accept the help.
Eventually Marcin took Nicola’s advice, got help from the Crisis Team, received medical help and contacted ‘We Are With You’. A little further down the line and with the right help and support Marcin overcame his difficulties. He is now managing his alcohol addiction and is an inspiration to his help group. Marcin's journey back to work was able to be restarted now and he believed he could get his life back on track again. Marcin wasn’t even claiming benefits during most of his time on the Restart scheme. One of the first things Nicola did was encourage him to go to the Jobcentre and make a claim to receive Universal Credit.
Through the support of Nicola and the Restart Scheme Marcin has now found work as a warehouse operative. He has been doing this for 3 months so far. Participants on the Restart scheme also receive In-Work Support and Nicola was keen to catch up with him to see how he was getting on. When Marcin popped in to see Nicola he was congratulated on his transformation in appearance and attitude. He thanked Nicola for her continued support and belief in him.
Nicola said:
“Marcin is a true inspiration and proof that, no matter what, it is possible to get back to work with the right help, belief, persistence, and resilience. Well done Marcin!”
July 19, 2024Posted by:
