The Impact of Trusted One-to-One Support: A's Story
FARE's One-to-One Employability Support takes a person-centred approach, recognising that everyone's circumstances, challenges and goals are different.
As a single parent with no family support network in the UK, A faced significant challenges with her mental health, financial pressures and wellbeing. Having initially registered with the programme in 2024, she found it difficult to engage due to the barriers she was experiencing at the time. Through consistent one-to-one support and a person-centred approach, trust was gradually built, enabling A to access support when she felt ready.
When A re-engaged with the programme in late 2025 during a period of crisis, her wellbeing had reached an all-time low. Through regular one-to-one sessions with her Key Worker, she had a safe and supportive space to discuss her challenges, identify priorities and access practical support.
This included a referral to her GP Practice Link Worker to help improve communication with healthcare professionals, advocacy around her health needs and a referral to Money Matters to address financial difficulties. Additional support through FARE's Christmas Gift Initiative also helped ease immediate pressures for A and her son.
As trust and confidence developed through ongoing one-to-one support, A began engaging in activities that supported her wellbeing and personal development. She successfully completed FARE's Health and Wellbeing course and regularly attended wellbeing walk and talk sessions, helping to reduce isolation, build positive routines and improve her confidence.
Encouraged by her Key Worker, she also explored opportunities within her local community, undertaking an ESOL assessment and securing a place on a community ESOL course.
One-to-one advocacy support also played a key role in helping A navigate Jobcentre requirements. Her circumstances and health conditions were more effectively communicated, resulting in a better understanding of the barriers she faced and allowing her to focus on improving her health, wellbeing and personal development rather than undertaking job-search activities that were negatively affecting her mental health.
A's journey demonstrates the impact of trusted one-to-one support. Through tailored guidance, advocacy and encouragement, she has progressed from a position of crisis and disengagement to actively participating in services, improving her wellbeing and building confidence for the future.