A helping hand
Restart Scheme helps Cher prove she is a cut above the rest
A Keighley hairdresser who was out of work for two years is celebrating being back in the salon thanks to the support from the Restart Scheme. 
Cher Summers, 45, joined the Restart Scheme, which is being delivered across West Yorkshire by Maximus, in February.
This wasn’t the first turning point for Cher – her personal journey to transforming her life began at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. After a 20-year addiction, she decided to take time out to kick her addiction once and for all. She was determined to turn her life around – and she did.
After two years in recovery, she knew it was time to get back into the career she loves. To help refresh her skills, she enrolled on a Barbering course at college, and stepped up her job search. But she needed a helping hand to guide her back into employment.
When Cher met with her Restart Scheme Employment Advisor, Naila, she didn’t have a CV or the equipment she needed for a job or her course. Without this equipment, Cher was struggling to see how she would get back on track with her hairdressing.
Naila helped her to create a new CV that highlights her previous experience and transferable skills. Naila and Business Manager, Debbie, also arranged for Cher to be provided with a laptop to aid in her studies and all the hairdressing tools she needed to be job ready.
With her new CV and the equipment she needed to hand, Cher began contacting local salons about work opportunities and soon secured a new role.
Cher started her job as a hairdresser in May, but still needed a helping hand financially until her first pay day. So, the Restart Scheme stepped in and provided her with a bus and train pass so she could travel to work without having to worry about costs.
Cher is thrilled to be back doing what she loves, ensuring her clients look their best.
Cher said: “I love my job. I’m really glad to be back hairdressing. When you’re cutting someone’s hair, nothing else matters. You’re making them feel good, and that makes you feel good.
“Maximus have been a real encouragement and go-to for getting back into my career and adding to my qualification. Maximus have been a tremendous help, showed me the right path and provided me with cutting tools, a first month bus and train pass and a laptop for my college course. I have been completely blown away with this service. I really appreciate all that they have done.”
