Maya needed a confidence boost and help with finding a purpose (L Maya, R Vikki)
Maya joined the Restart Scheme after a five year break from employment due to childcare reasons.
Having recently become a single parent to three children, Maya’s mental health had declined, and she wanted a change.
When her Jobcentre Plus work coach referred her to Seetec in Yeovil, Maya was keen to find work.
She met with employment adviser, Vikki to identify possible career paths and ways to improve her confidence and self-worth too.
Together, they agreed an action plan to help Maya overcome her barriers and gain a sense of purpose.
Thinking more positively
Eager to feel confident again, Maya joined the Pluss health and wellbeing support with wellbeing coach Kirby.
As a social enterprise, Pluss provide specialist health and wellbeing support that helps jobseekers to overcome their barriers.
Kirby gave Maya 16 weeks of 1:1 support and, together, they explored how to manage her personal wellbeing and coping mechanisms day-to-day.
Maya started thinking more positively and was determined to get back on track to build a better future for herself and her children.
Feeling motivated after exploring how to manage her wellbeing, Maya started to consider her training needs.
Business case approved
After deciding that working in a school environment would fit her family commitments, she spoke to Vikki about training.
Vikki could see that working in the education sector would offer Maya the flexibility to manage her childcare commitments too.
Maya’s request for training funding was endorsed by Vikki and after a business case was approved, an annual ‘New Skills Academy’ subscription was purchased for Maya by Seetec.
This enabled Maya to start a level 2 ‘Teaching Assistant’ course and study flexibly from home or the Seetec office.
Whilst studying, Maya was proactive in contacting local schools and colleges about employment and volunteer opportunities.
Careful consideration
When Maya had a dip in confidence, she reached out for support from Kirby and her doctor, this helped to keep her on track.
To improve her job seeking activities, Maya registered with recruitment agencies and spoke to Vikki about alternative options too.
When a self-employed opportunity in the care sector became available, Maya was quick to discuss it with Vikki.
Together, they discussed the pros and cons of this role and how it would impact her ‘Universal Credit’ (UC) claim.
After careful consideration, Maya realised that this opportunity would fit her experience and skills, and it offered flexible hours.
Following a successful application, in September, Maya started her self-employment journey by launching ‘Maya Care Support’.
Juggling work and childcare
Delighted with her new role, Maya tells us; “The work fits perfectly with my childcare needs, and I absolutely love it!”
She takes great pride in knowing that she is back in control of her life and looks forward to saving some money to take her children on holiday.
Maya says; “I’m so proud that I can now give my children the life they deserve, I’ve been able to buy them gifts and redecorate our home.”
Reflecting on Maya’s journey, Vikki says; “Being a mother myself, I felt that I was able to empathise with Maya.”
She continues; “I understand the challenges of juggling childcare with work; you’re not ‘Wonder-Woman’ – but as long as you are doing your best, that is enough.”
Seetec colleagues can often utilise their own lived experiences to assist our participants, this often helps us to understand from our participants point-of-view.
Well done Maya! We look forward to hearing about your family holidays in the near future.
Need a flexible income that works around your childcare commitments?
Ask your Jobcentre Plus work coach about the Restart Scheme.
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