Manisha’s story
Manisha found Into Work during a difficult time of unemployment. She shares how our programme has supported her to regain her confidence.
"I became more comfortable putting myself forward, communicating with others and stepping outside my comfort zone."
My experience of unemployment
Before joining Into Work, I was going through a very difficult and uncertain period in my life. I was experiencing anxiety and depression, and was worried about all of the independent expenses that I had to pay for. I’ve been looking for a job since I was 16.
There were times when the thought of moving forward into employment felt overwhelming. I didn’t always recognise my own abilities, and I wasn’t sure that I had the confidence to put myself forward or take the steps needed to move closer to employment.
The support I received from Into Work
When I first joined Into Work, the support I received made the process feel much more manageable.
I was met with patience, understanding and encouragement rather than pressure. The support was tailored to where I was, which allowed me to gradually build myself up and take steps forward at my own pace.
Practical support
One of the first areas Into Work supported me with was developing my CV. Having someone help me recognise my skills and experiences, and understand how to present them properly, made me realise that I had more to offer than I initially thought.
Although I didn’t regularly attend the weekly Jobs Club in person, I was still able to access the support whenever I needed it. I often worked on applications independently, but knowing that I could contact Into Work when I needed help with an application made a real difference.
Actively submitting applications and taking part in job fairs helped me move from simply thinking about employment to actually taking steps towards it. Each application and interaction helped me buid experience, making the process feel less intimidating.
Peer support
The monthly Peer Groups were another part of the programme that I really valued. Meeting other people who were also working towards employment allowed me to share experiences, listen to others and realise that I wasn’t alone in finding some aspects of the journey difficult. It created a supportive environment where I could connect with other people.
Development opportunities
Through Into Work, I was able to complete a short course and gain a certificate, which gave me a sense of achievement and showed me the progress I was making. It helped me recognise that I was capable of learning something new.
My Employment Advisor also supported me in finding a volunteering opportunity at a charity shop, which gave me the chance to become more comfortable in a working environment. Through volunteering, I was able to develop new skills, take on responsibilities and see that I was capable of contributing in a workplace.
It helped me become more confident in interacting with people and carrying out tasks independently. Most importantly, it helped me feel more prepared to take the next steps towards employment.
How Into Work improved my self-confidence
Looking back, I think the biggest change has been in my confidence. Into Work didn’t simply help me search for a job. It gave me opportunities to develop myself along the way. From helping me with my CV to completing a course, every step contributed to my progress.
Into Work gave me opportunities to actually experience things rather than simply telling me that I was capable of them. This meant I was able to prove things to myself. I became more comfortable putting myself forward, communicating with others and stepping outside my comfort zone.
My journey has taught me that progress doesn’t always happen through one big moment. Sometimes it comes from a series of smaller steps – attending a group, updating a CV, preparing for an interview and eventually having the confidence to attend one.
I’m genuinely grateful for everything Into Work has done for me. I feel like I can talk to my Employment Advisor about anything, whether it’s about my mental health or worries about work or support with job applications – she’s always ready to help me. The programme has helped me develop skills and experience, but more importantly, it has helped me develop confidence in myself and in what I’m capable of achieving.
Information and support
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