ELIZABETH: Step Into Healthcare Participant
Elizabeth: Step Into Healthcare Participant
*To protect identities, images are not specific to the stories and names may be changed.
Elizabeth’s Journey to The Social Switch Project:
When Elizabeth joined Step Into Healthcare in October 2024, she was keen to take meaningful steps towards building a stable and independent future. She had recently deferred her university place due to unforeseen circumstances and was living in supported accommodation. Elizabeth was eager to gain financial independence and begin a career aligned with her values.
Although she had been actively applying for jobs, Elizabeth had faced setbacks and was beginning to feel discouraged by the process. She had a clear ambition to work in care or social work, roles that would allow her to support others and make a difference in people’s lives. What she needed was personalised guidance to help her navigate the job market and find opportunities that matched her interests and potential.
Finding Elizabeth Support:
Elizabeth began working with her Career Mentor through regular face-to-face sessions at a community space close to her home. Before each meeting, her mentor would send over a tailored list of roles in healthcare and support work, helping Elizabeth narrow down suitable options based on her strengths and qualifications.
Together, they reviewed job requirements, discussed application strategies, and co-wrote submissions to maximise her chances of success. Elizabeth was keen to secure a position on a care leavers’ job scheme with the Ministry of Justice. Although she was initially placed on a waiting list, her mentor encouraged her to stay positive and continue applying for other opportunities in the meantime. They also explored how she could access her E-learning bursary to support job readiness, including purchasing appropriate clothing for interviews or her first role.
Throughout, Elizabeth remained engaged and open, attending every meeting and showing genuine commitment to her journey.
Outcomes:
Elizabeth’s hard work and consistency paid off. In April, she got in touch with her mentor to share the exciting news that she had secured a role as an Event Planner with the Ministry of Justice through the care leavers scheme. She was thrilled by the opportunity and felt proud of what she had achieved.
To prepare for her new role, Elizabeth accessed part of her bursary to purchase workwear, helping her feel confident and ready for the next stage of her journey.
"Receiving support from my Mentor helped me feel more confident when applying for roles. Having someone there to guide and encourage me made a real difference - it motivated me to keep pushing forward and stay focused on achieving my goals." - Elizabeth
Find Out More:
Learn more about Step Into Healthcare here