Tamar was looking for work to help take care of her family. While hoping to find work in the creative arts, Tamar was struggling for find any sort of position and knew it was time for a change. After finding out about the Returneeship course through her Universal Credit journal, Tamar did some further research about the course and decided to give it a try, going on to develop interpersonal skills and grow her confidence. Since finishing the course, Tamar has gone on to find work with the NHS, working in support care and helping people with mental health problems. We would like to congratulate Tamar on the development and wish her the best with her new position!

What were you doing before you started the programme?
I graduated from the University of Wolverhampton in 2021, with a BA (Honours) in Applied Art specialising in glass and ceramics. I had wanted to continue my studies and move straight on to take a Post Graduate Diploma in Art and Design, but this was too difficult to sustain at the time and I needed to take a leave of absence. As a single mother of three young children, I needed to earn some income to enable me to take care of my family. This led me to take a seasonal night shift role with Royal Mail, which although provided a source of income was hard on my health. I then became a self-employed artist and was commissioned by the Alumni Department of the University of Wolverhampton in April 2022, to design and produce the trophies to be awarded to recent graduates. I also did some volunteering work, but still needed to source some regular income.

How did you find out about the training?
I received a general message to my UC journal about the Returneeship with Release Potential. I took the initiative, followed it up and found out more about the course and made my mind up to give it a try.

Why did you decide to join?
I was looking for work in creative arts but was struggling. In fact, it was depressing. I knew it was time for a change, but I needed more help to find something. I also thought it would get me into a routine and used to being around people again.

What did you think of the training? How did it help you?
The activity delivered over the first two days was fantastic. I was an interviewer. The teamwork and co-operation on the course were amazing and we all helped each other. I developed my interpersonal skills and my confidence grew.
I struggled with the classroom part of the course at first, but I wanted to complete it and came back every day. Owen was an excellent tutor. Overall, the course was outstanding. It helped me to set out a detailed realistic plan to help me achieve my goals and made me more self-aware.

Were there any barriers or obstacles you had to overcome?
I needed to get into a routine and become more socialised again which I knew the course would help me with. I overcame some fears in that I learned to speak up and became more confident.

What are you doing now?
I’m employed by the Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust at Penn Hospital in Wolverhampton as a Healthcare Support Worker helping people with mental health problems. It’s a very involved role but also very rewarding. I’m so happy I’m doing this now.

What impact has the training had on your life?
The impact and influence of the Returneeship was extremely important. It made me look at things differently, understand people and how to communicate better. It had a lot of layers, I built my confidence, became more self-aware, and it helped me to upgrade my technology awareness. I would do it all again!

What are your plans for the future?
I would like to continue with my original plan to take a Post Graduate Diploma in Art and Design. I think it’s realistic to start this again in about two years. In the meantime, I’m going to develop my experience working with people with mental health issues and get into a position to enable me to work, study and look after my family.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the training but wasn’t sure?
Do it, enjoy it, have fun and make some friends – I’m still in contact with some of my classmates. I wouldn’t trade anything about the journey that’s got me here today.