Sammie’s story
Sammie was experiencing social anxiety, low mood and unemployment before she found Into Work. With our support, she has rebuilt her confidence and is excited for the future.
"My personal growth happened alongside the support I received from the (Into Work) programme."
My experience with anxiety
I joined Mental Health UK’s Into Work programme when I moved into supported housing, and everything around me felt unfamiliar. I didn’t know the area, I didn’t know anyone, and I’d left all my friends behind. Daily life felt isolating and overwhelming, and my confidence was at one of its lowest points. My mental health made even simple things feel difficult, and my growing social anxiety, overthinking, and fear of new environments kept me indoors and disconnected.
I had previous retail experience and an A-Level equivalent qualification in Business (BTEC), and I genuinely wanted to work. But at the same time, I was scared of having a job.
The anxiety made it hard to start, and I didn’t have the motivation or confidence to begin job searching on my own.
I felt stuck between wanting to move forward and feeling too overwhelmed to take the first step.
How Into Work supported me
Into Work gave me structure, support, and a reason to leave the house. Raj, my Employment Advisor, played a huge role in helping me get started. We met at the local library to apply for jobs together, which made the process feel less intimidating. After that, I attended Job Clubs, where other clients came together to apply for roles. The environment helped me stay focused and productive. I was able to achieve more in those hour-and-a-half sessions than I ever could alone in my room.
One moment that really stood out was the trip to PWC, a Mental Health UK partnership organisation. It was inspiring and eye-opening. It helped me see my potential more clearly and encouraged me to dream bigger. It made me want to work harder and reminded me that there is support out there for people who experience mental health issues.
Two of the biggest challenges I faced were moving to a new area with no social connections and feeling scared to start working again.
The programme helped me face both. Having regular sessions, supportive staff, and a safe environment made the transition easier. Slowly, I began to feel less alone, more confident and capable.
With support, I was able to secure a temporary role and was even offered a permanent position. Although my circumstances meant I had to turn that offer down, I didn’t stop there. I continued applying for other roles and eventually landed another job, as an Optical Assistant, that I’m excited to grow in.
When I first started this role, it was very new and daunting to me. I was lucky to have a supportive manager who made adjustments to my training, did regular check-ins, and gave me feedback about my progress. I’m now thinking about doing an apprenticeship in the optical field.
What I’ve learnt along the way
My personal growth happened alongside the support I received from the programme. The guidance I received helped me take steps I wasn’t able to take alone, and at the same time I was learning to be kinder to myself and manage my social anxiety. Both things worked together to help me move forward.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: We all learn at our own pace, and it’s okay to take your time. The speed at which you learn something doesn’t define your intelligence or your worth. The fact that you’re learning is enough.
Information and support
Explore our Into Work programme and resources
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