Neil's Story:
As a result of his struggles with depression and anxiety, Neil was finding it difficult to find a fulfilling career in the care industry and was also seeing the impact on his personal life.
According to the Mental Health Foundation, 1 in 7 people in the UK experience mental health problems in the workplace, with anxiety and depression being among the most common issues. It can significantly reduce productivity, lower job satisfaction, and even lead to long-term career stagnation.
For Neil, addressing his mental health was the first step in creating a foundation for professional growth.
 Neil’s journey began with empathetic guidance from Derrick, one of our Mansfield advisers. Derrick helped Neil to focus on building mental resilience before tackling employment goals, and emphasised the importance of taking small steps to regain stability and access external mental health resources, which was crucial for Neil.
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 already planning to pursue further training to advance in the care sector.
Support included:
- Mental health support groups and external organisations focusing on wellbeing.
- Upskilling courses that gave Neil a sense of achievement and purpose without overwhelming him during his recovery
- Job application assistance, which was introduced only when Neil felt more confident in his mental health and he was ready to pursue career opportunities
With Derrick’s continued support, Neil enrolled in a mental health course through Futures 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.
