Restart Scheme helps Lesley turn her life around in just four months
Lesley Gosling, from Calderdale, has thanked the Restart Scheme for supporting her to find her first paid job in 21 years – and transforming her life in just four months.
Lesley, 43, last worked in paid employment in 2001, and has since been caring for her family as a stay-at-home mum.
Over the last few years, Lesley’s confidence had significantly dwindled. When she joined the Restart Scheme in May, she was facing multiple challenges in her life and had unstable finances and home life.
Lesley said: “I had no confidence to leave the house. I didn’t want to go out, I didn’t want to meet people so I would just sit and stare at the television. There was no reason to get up in the morning. I was very low and depressed. I wasn’t anybody that I recognised.
“I couldn’t go on like that anymore and I was determined to get a job to be a good example to my kids, but I couldn’t see a way forward.”
At her first appointment with Employment Advisor Catherine, Lesley was quiet and nervous. It was an emotional meeting, and Lesley confided in Catherine about her personal challenges.
Catherine and Business Manager, Jim Beardsworth, provided her with options as to how she could overcome the issues she was facing.
With it being more than 20 years since Lesley’s last paid job, her lack of recent work experience was another barrier for Lesley to overcome.
As well as providing emotional support, Catherine helped Lesley to write a CV, look for jobs, and provided her with a phone and clothing for interviews.
Catherine learned of a local cleaning vacancy from our Employer Engagement team, who put Lesley forward for the role.
Lesley was invited to an interview and Catherine helped her to prepare beforehand, while supporting her throughout the interview.
Lesley was delighted to learn that she had been successful in securing the role and began her new job in September.
She is thoroughly enjoying her new role, has made new friends and has a whole new outlook on life.
Lesley said: “I feel like I’ve been away for the last five years, and now I’m back – I’m a real person again. I have the confidence to go out and visit places. My kids, family and friends have noticed the difference in me. I wouldn’t have thought a year ago that I’d be where I am now and working again.
“I’d like to thank Maximus, Catherine and Jim for all the help and encouragement they have given me to start my life over again. I am proof that no matter what your barriers are, there is always a way through. There is light at the end of the tunnel – you can achieve your goals, get the job you want and have a happy future.”
Catherine Finch, Lesley’s Employment Advisor at Maximus in Calderdale, said: “Lesley’s journey has been emotional, challenging, and inspiring. She has really found the life she deserves and is embracing it wholeheartedly. It has been so joyous to see, and I couldn’t be prouder of the woman she has become.”
Jim Beardsworth, Business Manager at Maximus in Calderdale, said: “I am immensely proud of the transformation Lesley has gone through with our help.
“Lesley’s story is just one of many I see every day in the Restart Scheme office in Calderdale. I cannot put into words the pride I feel seeing lives transformed on a daily basis. I know I speak on behalf of the team when I say this is the best part about our role and something we never take for granted.”
