Without the essentials for life, future planning was impossible
Thay had been living with anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while also finding work to support his family. This meant he was living without decent furniture or even a working fridge, essentials that many take for granted.
"I can't believe it. My family and I can plan and build a future."
That was when the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) referred him to Mental Health UK’s Into Work programme.
The team met Thay somewhere he felt at ease and able to talk openly. As trust was built over that first conversation, Thay opened up about his experiences and the barriers he was facing when it came to finding work. The first thing the Into Work team did was refer Thay for counselling to help him with his posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and made a GP
appointment on his behalf to connect him to the local NHS Community Mental Health Team.
After that, Thay was supported in developing a new CV and guided through applications. From this, Thay attended an open day put on by Heathrow Employment & Skills Academy. He was invited back a week later as his potential had been spotted and a role was available at Heathrow Airport. Into Work paid for a new suit and Thay happily attended the interview. Feeling empowered by the opportunity available, the Into Work team and his family, Thay was able to secure a role at a terminal cafe. The staff loved him and offered him a customer service role straight away.
Thay has enjoyed stable employment and is happy to be part of a working society, providing for his family. Into Work continue to support Thay, both in work and out. As he had to recently move house, the team were able to support him in making grant applications to help with the deposit, as well as accessing charities that were able to help with covering the costs of a fridge. Thay’s confidence has grown, and the future looks very different for him. He is now keen to advance into a more senior role and feels capable of taking that step thanks to the guidance, support and therapy he has received. “I really didn’t know what to expect from the programme, but from that first meeting I really felt I was being listened to, we built a plan together.
