Andrew had been out of work for four years, during which time autism, breathing difficulties and mental health challenges had affected his confidence and made returning to employment feel difficult. When he first joined the programme, he was understandably nervous about attending his first appointment. With the right support, he was able to take things at his own pace, gradually rebuild his confidence, develop a routine and begin reconnecting with work and everyday life.
His goal was to find a low-stress role, ideally working on a checkout or stocking shelves, as he had previous experience in these areas and felt they suited his needs. He had previously worked as a supermarket supervisor, but the pressure and lack of support had negatively affected him and contributed to him withdrawing from everyday life.
Support focused on taking small, manageable steps. Andrew was initially asked to send over his CV, giving him a straightforward first action without feeling overwhelmed. His previous work experiences were explored to help him recognise what environments did and did not suit him. Support also covered wellbeing, healthy eating, exercise and developing a healthier daily routine.
Since joining Connect to Work, Andrew has grown significantly in confidence. He has become comfortable meeting in different locations, travelling further, applying for jobs and attending interviews. Although he has not yet been successful in securing a position, he has responded positively to feedback and has continued working towards his goals rather than allowing setbacks to stop him.
A key barrier remains Andrew’s concern that employers may judge him because of his autism and health difficulties. Ongoing support will focus on approaching employers, highlighting Andrew’s strengths and helping him feel comfortable discussing any support he may need in the workplace.
Key impact
The biggest change has been Andrew’s increased confidence and independence. He has moved from being nervous about attending appointments and withdrawing from society to confidently travelling to different locations, applying for jobs and attending interviews.
He is also now in a better routine and actively working on his health and wellbeing. His confidence has improved in areas including job searching, writing CVs and cover letters, and communicating with employers.
