Fedcap is running a series of Employer Awareness Days in direct response to requests from people aged under 25 who are struggling in the jobs market because of a lack of experience and confidence.

Fedcap arranged for nine young people from Brighton and Guildford, who are benefiting from support through the Department for Work and Pensions’ Restart Scheme, to visit IKEA’s Croydon store to see the range of careers on offer and experience what a workplace feels like.

The initiative is part of Fedcap’s response to the growing increase in youth unemployment. There are nearly one million young people aged 16–24 in the UK Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET).

Susan Paterson, Executive Director of Fedcap Employment, said: “Many young people have not experienced a work environment or struggle to understand the variety of career paths and opportunities that could be available to them. We’ve co-designed Employer Awareness Days with young people who’ve told us that as well as demystifying the workplace, they also need to spend time in a working environment to help build their social skills and confidence.

“The idea of being in a workplace feels intimidating and overwhelming to many young people. By experiencing it and feeling like they belong there they can also start to see new opportunities and a pathway to a positive future through work.

“We’re proud to have partnered with a major employer like IKEA for our first event and are very grateful for its support. From the feedback we’ve had from the young people who took part, it’s clear that, together, we’ve already started to make a difference to their outlook and confidence.”

David Rickford, People and Culture Operations Coordinator at IKEA Croydon, said:

“It was a pleasure to welcome Fedcap to IKEA Croydon to help mentor, motivate and support young people in understanding the job opportunities available, what they involve, and how to find the right role for them.

“This initiative aligns closely with our IKEA values of caring for people and the planet and togetherness. On a personal level, it’s incredibly rewarding to know you’re helping to make a positive difference in a young person’s life. It was encouraging to see the support Fedcap provides to help individuals build confidence and move closer to employment. It was a successful day with great interaction, meaningful discussions, and a really positive atmosphere.”

Universal access to meaningful work experience is one of ten recommendations made recently in Fedcap’s Community Impact Policy Institute’s report: “Recommendations to End Youth Inactivity in the UK: A National Framework for Re-Engagement.”

In the report, Fedcap advocates a national youth employment programme for the UK that combines skills development, mental health support, and meaningful work experience. This builds on Fedcap’s integrated approach to supporting young people to improve their economic mobility, providing structured, personalised support through employability services, skills development and health interventions.

Alongside the Employer Awareness Days, Fedcap is also piloting a youth mentoring programme, matching volunteers from businesses and local communities with under-25s to act as positive role models and help normalise fears about work and adult life.

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Customers joined local employers and MPs at 19 Fedcap locations across the UK to mark the Employment Related Services Association’s (ERSA) annual Employability Day, which was themed “We Get Britain Working”. They benefited from additional coaching sessions, workshops, skills bootcamps and interviews with employers, with some customers receiving job offers on the day.

Susan Paterson, Executive Director for Fedcap Employment, said: “Employability Day is a chance to celebrate the people who have taken steps toward a better future and the teams, employers and partners who help make that possible. Over the past eight years, Fedcap has supported almost 55,000 people into work across the UK, and we are incredibly proud of that achievement.

“But we know employability is about much more than finding a job. It is about understanding the barriers holding people back and putting the right support around them, whether that is skills training, mental health support, employer engagement, or tailored help for young people who are at risk of being left behind. Our focus is on helping people move into sustainable employment and building stronger futures for themselves and their families.”

Fedcap leadership, including President and CEO, Christine McMahon, were joined by Tan Dhesi MP at its Slough office, where they discussed how people across the UK are benefiting from Fedcap’s integrated approach to employability, education and health. They also met a customer who secured a job opportunity on the day.

Tan Dhesi MP said: “It’s been wonderful to see a customer get his job facilitated through the wonderful employment advisers here at Fedcap.

“It’s very, very important work that’s being done here to make sure that our young people and others are able to get to work, to feel good about themselves, to make not just money for themselves, but also to have their mental and physical health and wellbeing aspects looked after.

“That’s why it’s really, really important that we continue to get people into work to help them.”

Fedcap has focused on innovation in areas where traditional employment support alone is not enough. That includes work to better support young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), expanding access to mental health services through its Clubhouse model, and connecting people to new opportunities in fast-growing sectors through targeted training and employer partnerships.

Fedcap demonstrated these innovations at events at its ELITE social enterprises in Wales and at its Apex Training Centre, in Basingstoke, Hampshire. The centre celebrated its one-year anniversary with some of the 90 people from its solar panel installation course who had previously been supported into opportunities as part of the Department for Work and Pensions’ Restart Scheme.

Luke Murphy MP celebrated Employability Day by returning to the centre, one year after he officially opened it. He met recent graduates who had previously been helped through the Restart Scheme and are now working full-time as solar panel installers.

Luke Murphy MP said: “It was a real privilege to visit Fedcap’s Employability Day and see first-hand the fantastic work being done to equip local people with the skills they need for the jobs of tomorrow.

“It was especially inspiring to meet trainees alongside graduates who have already gone on to secure good, future-focused jobs. Their success demonstrates the real impact these programmes are having, not only for individuals and their families, but for our local economy as well.”

In Wales, Gerald Jones MP visited Fedcap’s ELITE Paper Solutions in Merthyr Tydfil. During a tour of the premises, he met disabled workers employed by the social enterprise who securely collect and shred documents on behalf of NHS organisations, Cardiff City Council and Public Health Wales.

Fedcap also hosted visits by Sean Woodcock MP in Banbury, Oliver Ryan MP in Burnley, Adnan Hussain MP in Blackburn, and Sir Mark Hendrick in Preston.

Christine McMahon, Fedcap President and CEO, said: “Fedcap’s mission is to create pathways to economic wellbeing for people facing barriers to work, and that means addressing the root causes that can keep people disconnected from opportunity. For some, that may be a mental health challenge. For others, it may be disability, disrupted education, a lack of confidence, or simply not having access to the right training at the right time.

“That is why our model is intentionally integrated. We bring together employability, education, health and workforce training so we can meet people where they are and help them move toward long-term stability. Whether we are supporting a young person at risk of becoming economically inactive, helping someone rebuild after a period of poor mental health, or training people for jobs in growing industries, our goal is the same: to break down barriers to sustainable employment and open the door to economic mobility.”

As part of the Employability Day events, ERSA also announced Fedcap as the headline sponsor of the ERSA Awards 2026. The awards provide an opportunity for those working across employment support and skills to showcase innovative practice, demonstrate impact and gain sector-wide recognition for their achievements.

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One of those people is Dave, who recently joined us as Head of Estates & Safety after spending 26 years in the British Army.

Growing up in an Army family, service has always been part of Dave’s life. While his career has taken a different direction, the values that shaped his time in the military – integrity, teamwork, discipline and putting people first – continue to guide everything he does.

“The transition into civilian employment was more daunting than I expected,” Dave said. “I’d never had a job interview. All my qualifications were military, and I genuinely wondered what transferable skills I had.”

Like many veterans, Dave found that leaving the Armed Forces meant adapting to a completely different way of working. While career workshops helped him prepare a CV, he says nothing truly prepares you for leaving behind a career that has defined so much of your life.

Looking back, however, the skills he gained through military service have been invaluable.

“People have always said the same thing to me – you get things done, you care about people and you look after your team.”

Those qualities have led Dave through several purpose-driven organisations, including the National Trust, NHS Property Services and Yorkshire Cancer Research, before joining us at Fedcap.

“I’ve naturally gravitated towards charities and not-for-profit organisations because I wanted to do something where I was giving something back.”

Although employability was a new sector, Fedcap’s mission immediately stood out.

“What surprised me most was the pace. You’re supporting thousands of people through major contracts, but the common thread is always the people. Everyone I’ve met has been welcoming, supportive and completely focused on helping customers.”

A recent visit to our Staines office reinforced exactly why that work matters.

“Hearing Employment Advisers supporting customers reminded me what all the behind-the-scenes work is really for. It’s easy to feel removed from the frontline until you hear those conversations and see the difference they’re making.”

On Armed Forces Day, Dave believes it’s an important opportunity to recognise not only those currently serving, but also the many veterans who continue making a difference in their communities.

“It’s wonderful to see veterans recognised. Years ago, many people left quietly with little acknowledgement. Today there’s a much greater appreciation for service, and that’s something we should never take for granted.”

Dave is also keen to build on our longstanding commitment to supporting veterans and helping people overcome barriers to employment.

“I’d love to become more involved in how we support veterans. There are fantastic networks available, and there’s a real opportunity to help veterans understand what’s available to them as they transition into civilian life.”

As he settles into his new role, Dave is focused on creating safe, welcoming environments where our colleagues can thrive and customers receive the very best support.

For Dave, service hasn’t ended – it has simply found a new purpose.

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The accolade recognises how Fedcap’s Clubhouses embed inclusive practice, remove barriers and support all members, helping them to improve their mental health and progress towards sustainable and meaningful employment.

Nine in 10 members have improved their health at Fedcap Clubhouses, with nearly a third finding sustainable employment – a significant percentage who have traditionally struggled achieving sustainable employment. Without this support, they would have been highly unlikely to return to work.

Christine McMahon, CEO and President of Fedcap, said: “It is a huge honour for Fedcap’s UK Clubhouses to win a Quality Professionals Award.

“Fedcap is a mission-driven organisation which supports people and their families to achieve greater economic wellbeing. This recognition validates the hard work, dedication, and innovative thinking of the entire Fedcap team.

“By embedding inclusive practice, we’re supporting all Clubhouse members to remove barriers to help them improve their mental health as they progress towards sustainable employment.”

The Clubhouses were launched by Fedcap in 2023 in Surrey and Sussex as places where unemployed people with complex mental health/social needs could meet, develop skills and enjoy positive social interactions as part of a work-ordered day.

They were developed in response to delivery insights showing a cohort of customers facing more complex barriers to employment, particularly relating to mental health and wider health or social needs. Clubhouses operate as part of the Department for Work and Pensions’ Restart Scheme, which Fedcap delivers as a prime provider across south central England.

Susan Paterson, Executive Director of Fedcap Employment, said: “We’re honoured to receive this award because it recognises something we see every day: mental health remains one of the biggest barriers to employment for many people.

“Through the Restart Scheme, we had the opportunity to scale our Clubhouse model in a way that brought more tailored, community-based mental health support into employment services – something that has been genuinely transformative for participants who need more support.

“We’re deeply grateful to the Department for Work and Pensions for its vision, partnership, and willingness to support innovation that helps more people move forward with confidence, dignity, and the right support around them.”

It’s a second award in eight months for Fedcap’s Clubhouses which celebrated winning the Holistic Wellness Integration category at the national Shine Awards last year for the difference they made to mental health and workplace wellbeing.

Read more about Fedcap’s Clubhouse Sustainable Employment Model

The post Fedcap wins national award for its innovative Clubhouse model appeared first on Fedcap.

Aquilla is an accomplished senior employability leader with over 20 years’ experience delivering and overseeing large-scale programmes across the public, private, and voluntary sectors.

Since joining Fedcap Employment, Ms. Lindo has served as Regional Director (South), overseeing a portfolio of government-funded employability programmes across Southern England, including the Department for Work and Pensions’ Restart Scheme, Individual Placement and Support in Primary Care, Work and Health Programme, Pioneer, and Supported Employment initiatives. In these roles, she has led high-performing operational teams, strengthened delivery outcomes, and expanded partnerships that create lasting economic and social opportunity for individuals and communities.

Christine McMahon, President and CEO of Fedcap, said: “Aquilla is an exceptional leader whose career reflects a deep commitment to helping individuals achieve economic mobility and long-term success.”

“Her experience managing complex workforce systems, leading organisational transformation, and building high-performing teams makes her uniquely qualified for this role. As we continue to expand our impact across the United Kingdom, Aquilla’s leadership will help ensure that Fedcap Employment remains at the forefront of innovation and operational excellence.”

Susan Paterson, Executive Director of Fedcap Employment, said: “I am delighted Aquilla has agreed to serve alongside me as Chief Operating Officer. Since joining the organisation, Aquilla has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership, a relentless focus on performance, and an unwavering commitment to our mission.

“Aquilla understands how to bring together people, partnerships, innovation, and operational excellence to create lasting impact. I look forward to continuing to work closely with her as we expand our reach and help even more people move into sustainable employment.”

Aquilla Lindo said: “I am honoured to take on the role of Chief Operating Officer at such an exciting time for Fedcap Employment. Throughout my career, I have been driven by the belief that meaningful employment transforms lives, strengthens communities, and creates lasting economic opportunity and Fedcap is a place where this can happen at scale.”

As Chief Operating Officer, Aquilla will oversee day-to-day operations across Fedcap Employment’s UK portfolio, supporting continued growth, service innovation, performance excellence, and delivery of high-quality outcomes for participants, employers, funders, and communities throughout the United Kingdom.

Prior to joining Fedcap Employment, Aquilla held senior leadership positions at Corndel, Prospects Services, and the London Borough of Brent, where she managed large-scale employment, education, and skills contracts while building strong partnerships across government, industry, and community organisations. She also holds a qualification in Equity, Inclusion and Organisational Diversity Development through the Institute of Leadership & Management and previously served as a Trustee of P3 Charity, supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, and social exclusion.

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By sharing her lived experience with inmates at Rikers Island prison in New York, Zulay is inspiring people to change their lives on release. 

Five years ago, Zulay was released from Rikers Island prison. Scared and confused, she was introduced to Fedcap who supported her to integrate back into her community of Queens. 

The chance to join us as a re-entry mentor gave Zulay the opportunity to use her lived experience to support others facing the very same situation she had once been in.  

Her boldest step was to return to Rikers Island to work directly with people preparing to leave the justice system with the aim of positively reintegrating them to their communities.  

Zulay said: “When I meet people in Rikers and say I used to be in here, I know where you’re coming from, they say ‘For real? You’re in here talking to me? Wow, I want to do what you do’. 

“I tell them they’ve got to work. Change is always possible. You’ve got to want to do it. 

“I never expected to be sitting here. It feels so good at this stage of my life right now.  

“Fedcap kept me out of trouble, kept me focused and got me elevated. I’m very motivated. This is not my last stop. I’m planning to study for a degree and become a social worker or an educator and work with kids. 

“I don’t know where I would be if I didn’t get introduced to Fedcap, but I do know that without Fedcap believing in me, none of this would be possible. 

“I’m grateful for everything Fedcap has helped me with and continues to help me strive for.” 

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With support from his Employment Advisor, Graeme Parker, and the wider Clubhouse team, Jaswinder has made strong use of the resources available to him. He has taken part in a wide range of development workshops with John, including topics such as interview preparation, applications and cover letters, networking, and using LinkedIn, as well as completing job-networking sessions, 1:1 interview preparation for specific roles, and attending Hot Jobs sessions with Jenny (ESC). He’s also received practical interview support, including preparation for both in-person and phone interviews, often using the Clubhouse itself as a calm and professional space to carry these out.

Over time, Jaswinder has increased his confidence and independence. He now uses the Clubhouse regularly for his job search, working largely independently and making proactive use of the support around him when needed. He’s shared that he feels happier and more productive in this environment, reflecting the positive impact it has had on his routine and mindset.

Beyond his job search, Jaswinder actively contributes to the Clubhouse community. He participates in men’s mental health sessions facilitated by Rix, joins group activities such as quizzes, and frequently supports other members with IT, demonstrating both generosity and growing technical confidence.

Overall, Jaswinder’s commitment and engagement have led to clear personal and professional development. His increased confidence, independence, and positive contributions to the community highlight the progress he continues to make.

As he describes it, “What I’ve appreciated most is how empowering the atmosphere is. The support isn’t clinical or formal, it’s human, warm, and collaborative.”

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When  Sam  first attended our Brighton office, he always came with his mum and  required  the use of a private room, as he was not comfortable speaking on the main floor. Through steady progress and by building a relationship with his Employment Adviser, Vicky, Sam began attending appointments independently and eventually no longer required the private room.

To further improve his confidence,  Vicky recommended that he join the New Wave Clubhouse. This step significantly improved his confidence and ability to manage social interactions. He quickly became a regular member, building positive relationships and forming new friendships. This improvement in his confidence meant he was able to start attending group workshops to improve his employability skills. He has also been supported with job applications and interview preparation for roles aligned with his interest in the creative sector.

Sam has made outstanding progress. He now attends appointments independently, fully  participates  in workshops, and is a confident and regular member of the Clubhouse community. His increased confidence is evident  in his willingness to pursue high-quality roles aligned with his career goals.

A key achievement has been progressing to the video interview stage for an Apprenticeship Producer role with the BBC. He is currently waiting to hear the outcome. This is a significant milestone and reflects how far he has come in terms of confidence, engagement, and ambition.

This journey has also had a wider positive impact on  Sam’s life. He now has structure, improved wellbeing, stronger communication skills, and a clearer sense of direction for his future.

Speaking about his journey,  Sam  shared:
“Initially, once I began the Restart programme, my anxiety was very tumultuous, and I could not look at anybody. Consequently, 9 months later, I am waltzing into Fedcap, ever so talkative and confident within myself.”

The post Finding confidence through the Restart Scheme appeared first on Fedcap.

Fedcap has delivered the WorkWell mental health advisory service on behalf of Surrey County Council for the last 12 months with 90% of people who accessed the service said our advisers helped them to manage their mental health in work, support their return to work or progress towards their job goals.

One participant shared: “This service has been the best mental health support I have ever received, and Jane is the best mental health professional I have worked with. As a result of her encouragement and understanding, I feel more confident about my skills, what I can offer and believe I am capable to return to work and cope.”

We’re proud to be building capacity for the NHS by keeping people in work – reducing GP appointments and mental health referrals; or by supporting a successful return to work, reducing the need for NHS intervention.

Fedcap passionately believes that good work forms part of a healthy life and we’re excited to continue building effective systems and driving innovation with Integrated Care Boards and local authorities during the wider roll-out of WorkWell, supporting more people to remain healthy at work.

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The report finds that integrating mental health support with employment services -through Fedcap’s UK Clubhouse model – can significantly improve workforce participation and long-term economic outcomes for individuals facing complex mental health challenges.

The findings come at a critical juncture. In the UK, 2.8 million working-age individuals are economically inactive due to health conditions, with mental health issues playing a central role. The economic cost is staggering – estimated at up to £300 billion annually when accounting for lost productivity, healthcare, and social impacts.

Fedcap’s UK Clubhouse model offers a community-based, non-clinical approach that combines mental health support, social connection, and employment readiness. Unlike traditional programmes, the model focuses on sustained engagement and real-world work pathways.

Analysis found that approximately one-third of participants transitioned into sustainable employment – a significant outcome for a population with historically low job placement rates. In addition, 82% of members reported improved mental wellbeing and 65% sustained engagement rates, compared to 45% in traditional programmes.

The report further highlights the model’s strong return on investment. Clubhouse services operate at a fraction of the cost of clinical interventions and have demonstrated the potential to generate significant public value by reducing reliance on benefits, healthcare services, and repeated programme participation.

The report outlines a clear roadmap for scaling impact, including expanding access to Clubhouses in high-need regions, further integrating the model into national employment and health programmes, strengthening referral pathways from healthcare and community systems, supporting multi-year funding to enable sustained engagement, and enhancing data tracking to capture long-term public value. The pilot was funded by the UK Government’s Department for Work and Pensions’ Restart Scheme.

“This report makes clear that we cannot address economic inactivity without addressing mental health,” said Christine McMahon, President and CEO of Fedcap. “The Clubhouse model demonstrates that when individuals are supported in a community, with integrated health and employment services, the results are transformative – not just for the individual, but for the economy as a whole. We applaud the Department for Work and Pensions for funding this innovative pilot. This is a scalable, evidence-based solution that policymakers should embrace.”

Susan Paterson, Executive Director of Fedcap Employment, added: “Fedcap has long recognised the need to devise solutions that integrate work and health to address growing numbers of people who believe their mental health conditions prevent them from working. We’re grateful to the Department for Work and Pensions for funding Clubhouse to allow us to pilot and continue this innovative model of mental health and employability support.”

A full copy of the report can be found here.

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