Richard had been out of work for over five years, having previously held short term jobs while he focused on his education. During this time, Richard also faced significant personal challenges including an acute kidney injury and having the responsibility of raising his children alone. As his children grew up and left home, Richard found himself increasingly isolated, struggling with anxiety and depression, and feeling uncertain about his future.
After meeting with his local Job Centre, Richard was referred to the Hub for enrolling on to the Welsh Government’s Communities for Work Plus (CfW+) programme which is where he heard about the Hub’s Confidently You project.
The project, which is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, focuses on reducing social isolation, building resilience and increasing confidence while developing soft practical financial, digital and employability skills.
Richard was initially hesitant about joining the project because it was an unknown quantity but also drawn to it as he recognised he needed help to alleviate his social isolation, so it was arranged for him to meet with Mel Davis, the Confidently You project manager. Mel was able to talk Richard through the project, the activities involved and importantly how this would be of benefit to him, and he was so taken with it, that he enrolled straight away knowing that it was the perfect opportunity to gain new experiences, meet new people and rebuild the confidence needed to eventually help him return to work.
Confidently You was life changing for Richard and the transformation he experienced was profound. The group sessions, social interactions and challenging activities were particularly impactful, offering a friendly and pressure-free environment. And the opportunity to connect with others in similar situations was crucial, and helped Richard overcome feelings of loneliness and social isolation.
One of the most valuable lessons learned was the importance of community and support. The project provided a safe space to try new things, gain new skills, and build a support network that extended beyond the sessions. The inclusion of practical support such as providing lunch during the sessions, also highlighted the project's understanding of the participants' needs, particularly in the context of the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Not only did Richard gain renewed confidence and self-esteem, but the project also led to the development of new friendships that have continued beyond the group activities, and the support received from Mel and others was invaluable, reinforcing the message that Richard was not alone on this journey.
As a result of this newfound confidence and skill set, Richard is now entering employment - an outcome that seemed unimaginable before the project, as he joins the ACE Programme run by Crest in partnership with the Hub. The programme is a 12-week paid placement across a range of sectors including retail, driving and refurbishment. As well as gaining invaluable work experience, Richard will also receive 1:1 and group employability and job searching support and training. Additionally, Richard has taken on a peer mentoring role within the Confidently You project, using his journey to inspire others who are in a similar situation.
In summary, Richard is now happier, more confident, and optimistic about the future, with a renewed sense of purpose and the prospect of building on his experience at Crest to secure a fulfilling career.
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