When Salma first came to our Fedcap Brighton office, she felt uncertain about how to rebuild her professional life in the UK. Despite her strong academic background, she struggled to navigate the UK job market and regain her confidence. Determined to move forward, she enrolled in ESOL classes to improve her English and embraced the support available through Fedcap. 

Working closely with her Employment Adviser, Monika, Salma received tailored support to help her take practical steps toward employment. Together they created a strong CV and cover letter that addressed her career gap, arranged for her to attend workshops to build her confidence and understanding of the UK job market, and held one-to-one sessions to prepare her for interviews. Monika also enrolled Salma on a one-week “Preparing to Work in Schools” course with Tempus, helping her gain valuable UK-based experience. Salma’s next problem came with obtaining a UK DBS check, due to the current situation in Sudan, obtaining the relevant documents was impossible. Monika liaised directly with Teaching Personnel, where they agreed that a Statement of Good Conduct from the University of Sudan would be accepted in place of a Sudanese criminal record — a crucial step that allowed Salma to progress. 

With her DBS now in place and her first UK work experience complete, Salma is ready to continue her career in the education sector. Although she is restarting at entry level, her achievement represents a huge personal and professional milestone, and Salma is confident that she will be able to work her way back to her previous level and possibly even higher. 

Speaking to Salma about her time on the Restart Scheme, she shared: 

“Thank you, Monika, for all your support. I am very happy to continue my career and start a new job, which seemed impossible at the beginning! I will miss our appointments and you.” 

The post From Lecturer to Learning Assistant – Salma’s Journey to Restart Her Career  appeared first on Fedcap Employment.

This is why our team, from the WorkWell Mental Health Advisor Service, have bought together contact details for support services that will be open throughout this period.

National Helplines:

Age UK – 0800 678 1602
CALM – 0800 58 58 58
Combat Stress – 0800 1381 619
Compassionate Friends – 0345 123 2304
Cruse Bereavement Support – 0808 808 1677

Covering Surrey:

Safe Haven’s Open Everyday day including Christmas day  and New Year – Safe Havens : Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Surrey Wide – Warm Venues – List of Warm Welcome Venues in Surrey – Surrey County Council

Addlestone:

Salvation Army, Addlestone

If you are going to be alone on Christmas Day, you are very welcome to join for a day of friendship, fellowship, food and festivities. If you know anyone that might be alone, please let them know about this opportunity. Apply for a place by picking up an application form from the Salvation Army Charity Shop or hall, both in Church Road, Addlestone. Alternatively, please call 07586 570 467 to leave a message and you will be called back.

Dorking:

Dorking Christian Centre

Come and enjoy a delicious festive Christmas lunch from 11am on Christmas Day. Presents on departure. £10 per head. Come alone with friends, bring a neighbour, bring the whole family – all are welcome. Please book a place by requesting a form in person, by phone: 01306 886 830 or by emailing: centremanager@dorkingchristiancentre.org.uk or through the website: www.dorkingchristiancentre.org.uk.

Epsom:

Churches Together in Ewell are offering a Christmas dinner plus festive activities to all who would otherwise be on their own. Free of charge at a local church. Please contact: 07999 805 475 or email: christmas.dinner@dsl.pipex.com to find out more and book your place.

https://www.christchurchewell.co.uk/

https://epsomewell.foodbank.org.uk/

https://www.stbarnabas-epsom.org.uk/

Together for Christmas: Local Events Bringing Cheer to Kent, Sussex & Epsom | (Volunteers)

Egham:

St John’s Church Christmas Lunch, Egham
At Christmas, St John’s likes to host a Christmas Lunch on Christmas Day for anyone who would otherwise be on their own.
Everyone is welcome to have a lunch. Anyone who would like one please contact the church office on: 01784 605400. There is no charge.

Guildford:

People living within 10 miles of Guildford can get a free Christmas lunch delivered to their home on Christmas Eve – contact info@freechristmaslunch.com or tel:07855 846 957 – Find out more

Gaskin’s Christmas Lunch

Events & Dates — Holy Trinity & St Mary’s Guildford

Christmas | St Saviours Guildford – St Saviours Guildford

Safe Haven: Guildford : Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust – will be open Christmas eve, day and boxing day evenings

Horley:

The Lions Club – Christmas Appeal

Kingston:

Kingston is offering various support services to combat loneliness during the Christmas season. Here are some of the key initiatives:

Home-Start RKH: Provides Christmas-themed activities and support for vulnerable families, including delivering bags of presents and hosting Christmas parties.

Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness: They hold drop-in services whereby those who attend can seek advice on finding shelter, whether at KCAH’s private accommodation or elsewhere. This service runs every Monday- Friday throughout the year, including over the festive period and excluding public holidays.

Leatherhead:

Leatherhead Youth Project
The Leatherhead Youth Project offers support for young people who may need assistance during the festive season. They provide resources and services to help young individuals navigate the challenges of the holiday season. If you know of a young person in need, consider reaching out to the Leatherhead Youth Project to offer your support.

The Meeting Room – Supporting people in the local area of all ages who may be experiencing a variety of issues including homelessness, poverty, physical or mental health difficulties, loneliness and more.

Redhill:

Redhill Safe Haven:
Mental Health Crisis drop in, 6pm-11pm
Wingfield Resource Centre,
St. Annes Dr,
Redhill,
RH1 1AU,
United Kingdom

Staines:

Community Christmas Day Lunch | Shepperton | Spelthorne, UK – Free Christmas 3 course meal – The Greeno Centre Shepperton. Opportunity to attend, be with the community or volunteer to give back. *If attending please note booking is required for numbers* Email: christmasgreeno@gmail.com or Telephone: 07407 491027

Woking:

GIVE Christmas Crafternoon

The post Support over Christmas – Surrey appeared first on Fedcap Employment.

Referred by Jobcentre Plus to Fedcap Oxford’s Restart Scheme, Irene began working with her Employment Adviser, Younis. At her first appointment, she opened up about her self-doubt and the weight of personal challenges she had been carrying. Younis began by helping Irene unravel her limiting beliefs, shifting her mindset from fear to possibility. Together, they dissected the barriers she felt were standing in her way and began reshaping them into stepping stones.

Through tailored support, Irene attended targeted workshops to strengthen her digital skills and boost her interview confidence. Younis, alongside a training facilitator, worked closely with her to refine her CV and craft personalised cover letters that would help her stand out. Rather than being discouraged by rejection, Irene learned to see it as redirection — an opportunity to persist and grow.

Her perseverance paid off when she secured a Care Navigator role, perfectly aligned with her passion for providing meaningful, one-to-one support. This role not only restored her financial stability but also gave her a renewed sense of purpose and belonging. The structure of her new job has even improved her wellbeing, allowing her to establish healthier routines and take better care of herself.

Reflecting on her journey, she shared:
“When I’m driving on the M40 to work, I think of the impact my employment adviser at Fedcap had on me and I can’t believe — after the journey in itself, which I enjoyed very much — now I’m driving to work, which is just so beautiful and surreal… Look Younis, no words can describe how you changed my life, I could write pages.”

The post From Self-Doubt to a role as a Care Navigator​ appeared first on Fedcap Employment.

When he joined the programme, Dan wasn’t entirely sure where his career path would lead, but he knew one thing: his ideal role would be working in a library. At the time, it felt like a distant dream. 

Henry, Dan’s Supported Employment Specialist, worked closely with him to prepare for job opportunities. Together they built a strong rapport and understanding through the Vocational Profile, which explores each participant’s preferences, previous work experience, interview comfort, and mental and physical health needs. This helps ensure job searches are aligned with roles that genuinely fit the individual. For Dan, it became clear that quiet, structured environments suited him best. 

Using this insight, Henry and Dan worked together to update Dan’s CV with the relevant skills and qualities, providing a helpful reference point to revisit whenever Dan felt anxious about his progress. They searched for roles together, giving Dan both supported and independent job-search time to build his confidence. 

When a library assistant position became available in Dan’s local area of Poynton, Henry spotted the vacancy on Indeed, when specifically looking for library opportunities for Dan. It seemed like the perfect fit. 

To help Dan prepare, Henry arranged mock interviews with a colleague at Fedcap to practise typical questions and build his confidence. They visited the library in advance, allowing Dan to familiarise himself with the environment before the real interview. Recognising the importance of reasonable adjustments, Henry emailed the hiring manager (cc’ing Dan) to request the interview questions in advance – an adjustment that helped Dan feel more comfortable and prepared. 

This personalised preparation paid off, despite this being Dan’s first formal interview, he performed brilliantly and was offered the role as a Casual Library Assistant. 

Since then, Dan has flourished. He’s been working regular shifts at Poynton Library, doing exactly what he hoped to do. Before starting, Henry and Dan also explored volunteering opportunities together and visited Space4Autism, where Dan began volunteering to ease himself back into a working routine. Even after starting paid work, Dan continued volunteering there, balancing both roles and gaining experience in different community-focused environments. 

As Dan settled into his library role, he and Henry continued to have regular contact as part of his in-work-support. During one of their meetings, they discussed some challenges Dan was having within the role, around “baby rhyme time” sessions – a social part of the job that initially felt daunting. Henry supported Dan to write an email to his manager, requesting to pause participation in these sessions while he built confidence and received additional support. 

Dan’s dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. His manager, recognising his commitment, told him about additional hours at nearby libraries and offered to recommend him to other managers. He has since started assisting at Macclesfield Library and continues to meet regularly with Henry for in-work support. Dan has now applied for a full-time permanent position within the library service and is excited for his future prospects. 

Speaking to Dan about his time on the programme, he shared: 

“The Inspiring Futures programme has truly helped me. I didn’t have a lot of expectations, but I had hopes, and the programme has fulfilled those hopes. I’ve secured a job and gained confidence I didn’t have before. When I started, I didn’t know what to expect, but it turned out to be exactly what I needed. 

“I always tell people about Fedcap because it just works. I almost can’t believe it exists, and I wish there were more programmes like Inspiring Futures. I’ve become almost evangelistic, because it has made such a huge difference. It’s what councils should be doing. I’ve been lucky to get what I wanted.”

The post Daniel’s Story – Building Confidence and a Career in the Library Service appeared first on Fedcap Employment.

Determined to get back on track, Matthew joined the Restart Scheme, hopeful for the support it offered. Working closely with his advisor, he committed himself fully to the programme, recognising that rebuilding his skills and confidence would be key to re-entering the workforce. Matthew completed a series of online training courses to enhance his professional skills, including CPD Customer Service, CPD Time Management, CPD Customer Service for Retail, CPD Handling Customer Complaints, and CPD Coaching and Mentoring. These courses not only updated his knowledge but also helped him regain his professional confidence.  

In addition to online learning, Matthew attended all tutor-led workshops offered by the scheme, including Interview Skills, Confidence Building, and Bouncing Back from Challenges. He also engaged in weekly networking sessions to broaden his connections and increase his chances of securing employment.  

Matthew’s dedication and perseverance paid off. In August, he successfully secured a new role as a Solutions Sales Adviser. He has since shared that he is thoroughly enjoying the position and, most importantly, has noticed a significant improvement in his overall wellbeing and outlook. The experience has not only reignited his professional confidence but also restored his positivity and sense of purpose.  

The post Matthew’s journey to work appeared first on Fedcap Employment.

After years of caring full-time for his mum and dad, Andrew found himself completely alone when they sadly passed away. Growing up in Oxford, where his family ran fairground rides, Andrew had always lived a life centred around others. But their loss left him not only grieving, but facing the world without direction, purpose, or support. Isolated and struggling with his mental health and alcohol addiction, Andrew felt he was at a loose end and unsure how to move forward.

With limited reading and writing skills and no real guidance, even applying for jobs felt overwhelming. He had only ever managed to secure temporary roles, such as working at Lidl, and couldn’t see a clear path to something more stable. That’s when he joined the Restart Scheme in December 2024—hoping for a fresh start. 

Andrew approached the scheme with an open mind. His Employment Adviser, Ella, helped him build a strong CV and showed him how to use job search platforms like Indeed and through our Fedcap Hub. He took part in practical workshops that helped him prepare for interviews and learn how to navigate online systems. But just as importantly, he received support for his mental health and recovery. Through regular sessions with Fedcap’s health and wellbeing team, Andrew began to rebuild his confidence and found comfort in simply having someone to talk to. 

With continued encouragement and guidance, Andrew began to believe in himself. He felt ready to attend interviews—something he’d previously thought impossible. Slowly, the combination of personalised support and practical tools helped him break down the barriers he’d lived with for years. 

Now, Andrew is in a job he long dreamed of, working as a Team Member—one that not only supports him financially but reconnects him with the joy of his childhood.

Reflecting on his experience, Andrew shared:
“The Oxford office was a very enjoyable place”
“People were very respectful—it feels like a family who don’t judge you for who you are.” 

The post Andrew’s Journey: From Caring for Others to Rebuilding Himself appeared first on Fedcap Employment.

With support from Leigh and The Restart Scheme, she launched her blog ‘Confessions of a Serial Reader’ a playful nod to her book obsession, and began posting regular reviews. She created Instagram and Facebook pages to connect with fellow book lovers, building a small but growing online presence. At the same time, she enrolled in a childminding training course, which was fully funded through the Restart Scheme. After starting this, Chloe was then referred to Momentic for self-employment guidance. Momentic not only helped with the childminding side but also supported her efforts to grow the blog into something more. They were able to support her on the compliance side of business, from helping her register as self employed, training on bookkeeping and more.

Speaking to Chloe on her progress, she said: “I walked into the Fedcap building with very low expectations, expecting to end up with a retail job at Sainsbury’s or becoming a barista at Costa, but I’m glad to say I was wrong. I expressed my love of all things books. I had never felt so excited and passionate about something that I’d never realised was possible for me. You may be thinking ‘But that’s not a job, and the Restart Scheme is to help you with employment’ and I get that, which is why I’m also working on becoming a self-employed childminder. Not too bad, right? A 21-year-old self-employed childminder/blogger in the making. Without the Restart Scheme, Leigh and Martin at Momentic, I would never have been able to make my dream a reality or have the confidence to be self-employed. I have not only grown professionally but also personally. My mood is lifted, I’m more assertive, and I’m finding joy in the work I’m doing — which is something I never thought I’d do. 

Chloe’s website: https://chloeann231103.wixsite.com/confessions-of-a-s-1 

The post Chloe’s Journey From Uncertainty to Empowerment​ appeared first on Fedcap Employment.

He was put in touch with Lauren, a Mental Health Advisor at Fedcap, which is delivering the WorkWell service on behalf of Surrey County Council. Lauren began by working with Neil to create a toolkit of practical techniques he could use whenever he felt overwhelmed. These included box breathing, the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding method, and the Circle of Control to help him recognise where to focus his energy and when to practise acceptance. Neil finds comfort in nature and often chose to sit outdoors during his video appointments with Lauren while he practised these methods and talked through how he was feeling.

As Neil started to feel more stable, he wanted to improve how he communicated with others. Together with Lauren, he explored assertiveness techniques and worked on responding to situations rather than reacting to them. By recognising his triggers and naming the emotions he experienced, Neil learned to approach interactions with greater self-awareness and control. Over time, Neil noticed a lift in his mood and started thinking more positively. This growing confidence, coupled with his hard work and determination, led him to attend his first jobs fair, something that at the start of his journey would never have been an option. His progress continued rapidly from this point, where he felt confident enough to start applying for roles. He not only secured a second-stage interview but has now been offered the role of a Support Worker and is due to start work in September.

After completing his time on the service, Neil completed health outcome measures which showed a 67% improvement in his mental health-related quality of life and an 89% improvement in his ability to manage work and social functioning. For comparison, improvements of just 10–20% are usually considered meaningful in mental health outcomes, making Neil’s progress truly exceptional.

Reflecting on his experience, Neil said:
“Lauren, you are the best! Thank you so much. I hope Fedcap realise what a great asset you are — I feel really lucky to have had you help me. I always come off the phone with a smile and wish you all the best for the future.

The post Focusing on wellbeing brings Neil a new outlook on work appeared first on Fedcap Employment.

Max was referred to Fedcap through the Jobcentre Plus and joined the Restart Scheme at our Chichester office in search of personalised support to help him overcome his barriers, rebuild confidence, and make the transition into work.

Working closely with his Employment Adviser, Zoe, Max received tailored support through a range of interventions:

• Reverse Marketing: Fedcap promoted Max’s skills and experience directly to employers, helping to bypass traditional recruitment processes that can be difficult to navigate.
• CV and Interview Preparation: Max received expert guidance on refining his CV and preparing for interviews, ensuring he was ready to present himself confidently and professionally.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: Max was referred to the Health & Wellbeing team for ongoing emotional support—both during the job search and into employment.
• Upskilling: Fedcap helped Max access relevant training, including a Power BI analytics course that boosted his technical abilities and employability.

Thanks to the tailored support Max received he felt more confident navigating the job market. Shortly after completing a Power BI course and building his interview skills, Max was offered a role with Teleperformance as a Call Centre Representative. This marked a key step forward, allowing him to put his skills into practice in a supportive environment while continuing to grow professionally.

Speaking to Max about how Fedcap have supported him, he said:
“Fedcap has been incredibly supportive in my journey towards employment, and I’m especially grateful for the help I’ve received from my adviser, Zoe. From the very beginning, Zoe took the time to understand my goals and challenges, offering guidance that felt personal and practical. She recommended a training course that not only boosted my skills but also gave me the confidence and direction I needed. Thanks to that course, I’ve now secured a position and feel much more optimistic about my future. Zoe’s encouragement and belief in me made a real difference, and I’m genuinely thankful for her support throughout the process.”

Max is now focused on securing a graduate scheme role and continuing his personal and professional development. He remains passionate about the tech industry and is committed to using both his skills and lived experience to make a meaningful contribution in the workplace.

His adviser, Zoe, will continue to provide in-work support to ensure Max receives the guidance he needs to sustain and grow in his future role.

The post From Setback to Success – Max’s Story appeared first on Fedcap Employment.

Shortly after starting with Fedcap, Aneta faced a personal tragedy—the loss of her sister—which delayed her progress. Despite this, her Employment Adviser, Paul, stayed in regular contact, offering steady support. Paul referred her to Riverside Clubhouse, a supportive community space where Aneta could find belonging and help with her homelessness.

At first, Aneta was unsure about Clubhouse and kept to herself, focusing on job searching. Gradually, encouraged by members and her Unit Coordinator, she began participating more, gaining confidence and forming strong friendships. During this time, she managed to secure a room in a shared home, while an improvement on being homeless, the situation wasn’t ideal, and Aneta found herself feeling unsafe and uncomfortable at the home. Aneta used Riverside as a safe environment away from her living space, attending more regularly, where she quickly became one of the Clubhouse’s most regular members, attending two to four times a week.

With ongoing support, Aneta achieved the personal goals she set and took part in employment classes, which helped build her skills and self-esteem. Her hard work led to four job offers. She accepted a full-time role as a Civil Enforcement Officer, starting in April 2025, and is excited to move into her own home this July.

Aneta reflects on her journey:

“I wouldn’t have had the courage to meet people if it weren’t for Riverside Clubhouse. It became my second home—a place where I felt safe and truly supported. Through the Clubhouse, I regained my confidence and self-esteem, and I’m proud to say I passed all my interviews with confidence. I’m in a very happy place now and want to thank everyone at Fedcap and Riverside Clubhouse, especially Frohar, for being such a vital part of my journey.”

The post From isolation to independence thanks to Clubhouse appeared first on Fedcap Employment.