Case Study

John* was referred to Access to Industry’s Passport CashBack service through his social worker whilst completing a community sentence after being convicted for the first time. He was very anxious, with low self-esteem and admitted on numerous occasions that he was struggling significantly with his mental health and intrusive thoughts.

The language he used to describe himself was very negative. He was impulsive and didn’t always make positive choices, relying heavily on the use of drugs and alcohol, which was impacting his health and wellbeing. He found himself in rent arrears and in debt to an energy company. Often, he would miss appointments or show up unwell from using alcohol the previous day.

With support, John was able to improve his lifestyle significantly. Motivated and with a new CV – having engaged with qualifications delivered by Access to Industry – he began applying for jobs, attending interviews, and pushing himself to reach new goals, including applying for funding for driving lessons.

John is now in employment, has started driving lessons and is completing daily tasks like attending appointments and making phone calls independently, showing the huge personal growth and commitment to improving life for himself that he has put in.

John also attends the gym and engages with hobbies that do not involve alcohol. He is actively trying to be less impulsive by being more aware of his money, healthy eating and looking after himself. He is in a much more positive mindset, with a marked increase in his confidence and self-esteem.

John is commended for being open and honest with his caseworker and is always appreciative of the support and guidance given. Since working with Access to Industry, he says: “As a person I have improved massively, as I have more confidence in myself and I’m able to do a lot more… you have been a massive help”. He commented: “I am proud of myself” and “I am nicer to myself now and talk better about myself”.

*Anonymised name

More information on our Passport CashBack service can be found here.