From isolation to independence thanks to Clubhouse

When Aneta joined the Restart Scheme, she was struggling with low confidence, fear of interviews, and the lasting impact of a difficult past relationship. She felt isolated in her previous job, which affected her mental and physical health, making it hard to apply for new roles or believe in herself. Not only this, but Aneta had recently become homeless, making her need for work even more important.

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.”