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.

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.

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.

She was referred to the programme by the Jobcentre Plus while receiving Universal Credit, with the goal of becoming self-employed. Although she had the passion and skills, she needed the right guidance, and encouragement to turn her ambition into reality. From the outset, the support she received was invaluable. Her Adviser, Tania put her forward for several workshops to improve her confidence and skills including, ‘Gearing up for Work’ and ‘Unlocking your potential’.  After attending several workshops, her Adviser signposted her to our Self-Employment partner, Momentic, where she received additional guidance and specialist support to help her on her journey.

With the support from the Restart Scheme and Momentic, she has grown in confidence and now feels productive and focused, with a clear direction in life. Kaya is now comfortably self-employed and earning enough money to support herself and her family.

Looking ahead, Kaya has big ambitions. In the next four years, she hopes to open her own shop, selling her artwork and floral resin pieces, and has already chosen her company name ‘Forever and a Day’. Thanks to the support she has received, she now believes in herself and her ability to achieve her dreams.

Speaking to Kaya about her time on the scheme, she said:

“Alexis and Tania have held my hand step by step, and I am so grateful for both of them.”

The post Finding Confidence and a New Direction  appeared first on Fedcap Employment.

After nearly 25 years in the British Army, Carl made the leap into civilian employment, joining Fedcap as a Governance, Risk and Audit Manager. His journey has not only highlighted the transferable skills the military provided but also the importance of support during such a life-altering shift.

Carl in his military uniform, and with his daughter

Leaving the Forces: The Start of a New Chapter

Carl began planning for his career move while still in the Army, actively looking for roles that aligned with his skillset and values. “I’d been in the Army since I was 17,” Carl explains. “I didn’t even have a CV until last year, let alone attend an interview.”  In July 2024, while still serving, Carl interviewed for a position with Fedcap. He was offered the job (Governance Risk and Audit Manager) and began in early August —months before his official discharge from the Army in November.

It was Fedcap’s values that made Carl’s transition easier “It felt like home straight away. The values of respect, kindness, and integrity—those aligned closely with what I lived by in the military.”

Facing Challenges along the way

Carl’s transition wasn’t just professional. At the same time he was adjusting to a new career, he and his partner Natalie were adopting two young boys—an emotional and time-consuming process layered with its own uncertainties. “We adopted our first son in June,” Carl shared. “Then by November—just days after I left the Army—we took in his younger brother too. It was a whirlwind.”

Balancing a new job, the adoption process, and the emotional weight of leaving the only career he’d ever known wasn’t easy. “If I’m being honest, I had good days and bad days,” Carl says. “But the support from Helen Ammash and the wider Fedcap team helped me through what could’ve been a breaking point.”

The Challenge of Letting Go—and Moving Forward

Leaving the military, Carl explains, can feel like stepping off a cliff. “In the Army, everything’s structured—housing, medical, support networks. When you leave, all of that’s gone. You’re suddenly alone in the ‘big wide world.’ That’s scary for anyone, no matter how long you’ve served.”

For many veterans, the transition doesn’t go as smoothly. Carl is acutely aware of this, and part of his motivation in joining Fedcap was to make a difference for those veterans still struggling. “We have veterans experiencing homelessness or addiction because they don’t have the support they need post-discharge. I’ve seen it firsthand—and I want to help change that.”

Transferable Skills That Still Make a Difference

Throughout his military career, Carl climbed the ranks to become a Squadron Sergeant Major, managing over 250 personnel and handling complex logistics, welfare, and training operations. These responsibilities gave him a broad skillset—leadership, audit, risk management, and empathy—that directly supports his current role and finally departed the Army as a Warrant Officer Class one.

“I learned how to lead under pressure, how to support people from all walks of life, and how to solve problems quickly,” he reflects. “Those aren’t just military skills—they’re life skills. These are what I’ve brought to Fedcap”

Looking Ahead: A Veteran Champion Within Fedcap

Now settled in his role, Carl wants to see Fedcap and other employers build on the Armed Forces Covenant by creating even stronger support structures for veterans. “We’ve made progress, but we can do more,” he says. “Hosting coffee mornings, linking with veteran charities, and proactively recruiting service leavers—all of that can make a huge difference.”

Carl has already started connecting Fedcap’s work to wider military support networks and hopes to be a bridge between veterans and sustainable employment.

Final Reflections

Carl’s story is one of transformation—marked not only by professional growth, but by personal resilience — his journey embodies the spirit of Armed Forces Day.

“Transitioning isn’t easy,” he says. “But with the right support, the right mindset, and a place like Fedcap that genuinely cares—it’s possible to not just survive, but to thrive.”

The post From Uniform to Civilian Life: Carl’s Journey of Transition appeared first on Fedcap Employment.