Amy’s story

"I was made redundant. I was devastated, shocked, and totally unprepared for such difficult news. It felt like the rug had been pulled from under my feet."

How redundancy affected my mental health

I have a Master’s degree, gained while studying part-time in my 30s, and I’m also a qualified Mental Health Awareness trainer. I previously ran my own training business for four years before moving into a project management role in search of more financial stability.

In November 2024, I was made redundant. I was devastated, shocked, and totally unprepared for such difficult news. It felt like the rug had been pulled from under my feet.

My anxiety and stress levels skyrocketed, and it was an unsettling time for us as a family. We were worrying about how we’d cope financially, including rent in London, rising living costs, and paying for our younger son to go to university.

Around this time, I experienced symptoms of a manic episode, where my mind and body were going at a super-fast rate. It was hard to stop and rest or switch off. Eventually, I had to see a psychiatrist, who adjusted my medication, to quell the manic episode.

Although there were some side effects from the medication change, it was the right decision for me. Gradually, over several months, the symptoms started to subside, and I could think more clearly and rationally.

The difference Into Work made for me

During my time out to recover, I decided I wanted to use my lived experience to support others and began searching for voluntary peer support roles. It was challenging to find voluntary work that felt right. A previous befriending role hadn’t worked out well because of the travel and limited supervision. At a Harrow jobs fair, I chatted with a very helpful man from Mental Health UK about what I was looking for, and he introduced me to the Into Work programme.

My Employment Specialist, Celeste, helped me to realise that my volunteering role wasn’t meeting my needs. She supported me to volunteer in a local baby bank instead. I was unsure initially, but I started a few months ago, and I’m really enjoying the work and pleasant environment. There is such a caring ethos from the staff and volunteers.

Rebuilding confidence and moving forward

Into Work has also set up a weekly job club that has enabled me to meet with other clients who live with mental health challenges. I feel less alone on my journey and have made new friends there. Patrick (also from Into Work) has provided me with several opportunities to attend career development days with companies in Central London, learning more about what employers look for in job applications and interviews.

Since accessing Into Work, my confidence has grown a lot, and I’m learning to start putting myself out there again. It’s made me realise that I do have a lot to offer, with experience and skills that employers really want.

Patrick has also arranged some mentoring from Bank of America, which has helped me challenge some of my limiting beliefs. It’s been so helpful knowing that I’m not alone and that Mental Health UK really cares about getting people back into meaningful work.

Support from Into Work has helped me recognise that we shouldn’t let our past experiences shape how we see ourselves going forward. We all have valuable skills, abilities and experiences, so keep believing in yourself. Even what we go through whilst being unemployed can add value to your experience, like trying out volunteering, learning new things, meeting new people and supporting each other.

Information and support

Anxiety disorders      Stress       Bipolar disorder

Into Work programme      Into Work resource hub