Restart Scheme

Restart Scheme supports homeless woman to find work with the DWP

31st Jan 2023 Restart Scheme

Sara was living at a women’s refuge when she started on the Restart Scheme. She had been unemployed for over 2 years. Having previously run a business with her ex-partner, Sara didn’t know what work she wanted to do. The situation was making her feel very anxious and worried.

Sara met with her Job Coach, Giorgia Marchisio-King from the City of Wolverhampton Council. Giorgia helped Sara with careers advice and goal setting. She also helped her to create a new CV and cover letter to apply for jobs. To enable her to job search online, she was provided a laptop from ‘Free IT Stafford’ and an internet dongle from ‘Digital Wolves’.

Giorgia encouraged Sara to apply for Civil Service jobs as she thought it would be a job she would enjoy. Together they did lots of 1-2-1 job searching, interview preparation and applications. Giorgia had heard that the DWP were recruiting and invited Sara to come to a small group session on how to apply for Civil Service jobs. She then supported Sara with the application and helped her to practice and prepare for the 2-stage interview. In the meantime, Sara also applied for other jobs.

Sara was offered a part-time admin job at a local factory, which she accepted, and she did enjoy it but deep down, she was still hoping that something may come from her DWP interview for a full-time position. Finally, Sara heard back from the DWP, and she was offered a full-time position with them which she was over the moon to accept.  Sara has been able to move out of the refuge and is now living in a council home. She is happy and looking forward to starting her new role.

Giorgia said:

“I am incredibly proud of Sara and of the progress she has made in the past few months. She had a lot on her plate, but she was determined to start over and do a job she liked. She attended the sessions, showed enthusiasm, and trusted me to help her. Sara has been a great Participant to work with. I am happy I could help and make a small difference to her life. She is a hardworking, strong woman who will do very well at the DWP and in her career”.

 

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