Health as the Foundation for Success: Neil's Journey

The challenge

Neil, from Mansfield, faced significant struggles with depression and anxiety, which had a profound impact on both his personal life and career. After leaving a long-term job that contributed to his mental health challenges, Neil felt uncertain about his future and lacked the motivation to take the next steps. His story is a powerful reminder that addressing mental health is crucial before attempting to move forward with career goals.

The approach

At Futures, we understand that mental health plays a pivotal role in an individual’s ability to thrive professionally. Neil’s journey began with empathetic guidance from one of our Mansfield Advisers Derrick, who helped him focus on building mental resilience before tackling employment goals. Derrick emphasised the importance of taking small steps to regain stability and access external mental health resources, which was crucial for Neil. Support included: 

• Mental health support groups and external organisations focused on wellbeing.
• Upskilling courses that gave Neil a sense of achievement and purpose without overwhelming him during his recovery.
• Job application assistance, which was only introduced once Neil felt more confident in his mental health and ready to pursue new career opportunities.

The turning point

As Neil’s mental health stabilised, he began to focus on his next steps. This shift in focus made it easier for him to engage with opportunities, like attending a careers event alongside Derrick. There, he discovered transferable skills he hadn’t recognised before. This hands-on experience gave him a renewed sense of purpose, further motivating him to pursue a career in the care industry—a field that aligned with his passion for helping others.

The new beginning

With Derrick’s continued support, Neil enrolled in a mental health course through our online provision to enhance his skills and qualifications. Once he felt more mentally equipped, he began applying for jobs in the care sector. Through his training and interview preparation with Derrick, Neil successfully secured an offer from an employer who offered tailored training and a gradual return to work. This opportunity enabled Neil to transition back into employment at his own pace, ensuring he could maintain his mental health while building his career.

Today, Neil has embraced the role, increased his working hours, and feels a renewed sense of purpose. He continues to prioritise his mental health and is planning to pursue further education to advance in the care sector.