Restarting on a Positive Path to Employment
November 05, 2025Posted by:
Brandon joined the Restart Scheme in June 2025. He was unsure about how much the Restart Scheme could help him due to his previous experiences on employability programmes. Having recently relocated from Scotland, Brandon was finding it difficult to adjust to his new environment and surroundings which left him feeling understandably nervous. During his appointment, he raised all his concerns. The team were able to talk it all through with him and reassure him that they were there to offer guidance and support throughout his journey.
The team began with an initial assessment to explore the barriers he had to finding employment. Brandon shared that he had been struggling with his mental health, particularly with anxiety and his general wellbeing was not good. With children to support he wanted to find employment but was finding it difficult. Together they agreed that the first step would be to focus on improving his mental health. Brandon was referred to ‘The Better Health Generation’ for one-to-one weekly sessions and he also joined the Reed Wellbeing Group sessions that focused on managing anxiety and mindfulness. Brandon also attended our welcome sessions, where he met the whole Restart team who would be supporting him, other participants seeking employment and learned about the range of opportunities available to him through the Restart Scheme.
While Brandon was focusing on his wellbeing, we helped him to prepare for future employment by ensuring his right to work documents were in order and also created a tailored CV. After being part of the Restart Scheme for four weeks Brandon attended a ‘Participant Progression Day’ – an event designed to bring together participants at similar stages of the programme. The day provides a safe and supportive environment for participants to share their experiences and challenges, fostering connections and mutual encouragement. Representatives from various organisations attended to offer guidance on mental health, transitioning into work, mindfulness, and maintaining a health lifestyle. This helped Brandon’s confidence to grow significantly, and he felt ready to begin his job search.
Brandon then started his employability training with the PeoplePlus Trainer, Olay Sodeinde, completing modules in confidence building, interview skills, and CV development. He later attended an ‘Advisor Supported Job Search Session’ with his Advisor, Jessie Meelam, and Employment Relationship Manager, Chris Gardener. During this session Brendon expressed his interest in a Warehouse Operative role that was available with Smart Solutions, a local employer in Dartford who the PeoplePlus team have a strong relationship with.
The team supported Brandon throughout the application process – arranging a mock interview and providing detailed information about the role. They also ensured he had appropriate interview clothing and funded his travel expenses.
Brandon was successful in his interview and was offered the job the very next day. To help him settle into employment, the team provided him with work clothes and travel costs for his first week to make sure he was covered until his first pay day. We also discussed ongoing in-work support to reassure him that our support would continue as he transitioned into his new role. At Brandon’s request we agreed to continue with ‘The Better Health Generation’ as he found the sessions extremely beneficial.
Brandon said about his journey
“The Restart Scheme really benefits you and helps with your mental health concerns. It’s a good way to see what new skills you can learn and what career direction you can steer towards. Since being with the Restart Scheme, I have had a better outlook and better mindset in terms of my work ethic. I would say for anyone who is thinking about learning more about the Restart Scheme to take the opportunity.”
Employment Advisor Jessie said:
“Brandon initially started with us with barriers that hindered him. He suffers with his mental health and because of this was really struggling with finding employment. The complete turnaround Brandon has had is amazing and totally different from where he started. It has been a pleasure to see Brandon transform into the person he is now.”
November 05, 2025Posted by:
