Back to work - Shaun's story

After a difficult period of homelessness and unemployment, Shaun sought help from Durham’s Connect to Work IPS Employment Service. He’s now settled in his new home and workplace.

I was referred to the IPS Employment Service in February, 2026. I was facing a particularly challenging period in my life after I split up with my ex-partner and found myself temporarily homeless. I didn’t know where to look or turn to. I had no job, no house, was on the streets. I needed direction to sort my life out and create a better future for myself.

Through Rethink Mental Illness and The Angel Trust, I was able to access practical support with housing, as well as dedicated employment support through the IPS programme.

I wanted to get back into doing factory work, which I did a long time ago. I was made redundant twice which put me off. Then, I decided to go self-employed but I really didn’t know how to manage things.

I worked with my IPS Employment Specialist on identifying my strengths and transferable skills. This helped me to build a professional CV that reflected my work experience, abilities and potential. IPS also supported me to look for jobs and build my confidence back up. 

This service has helped me vastly. I’ve now found employment and am in the process of getting my life on track. My Employment Specialist was really helpful – any support I needed, he’d help me with it. I’d recommend this service to anyone.

I’m now in a full-time job, working night shifts from 7:00pm until 3:00am. Rethink helped me pass my forklift assessment, so that’s what I do now. While adjusting to this new routine can be challenging at times, I feel like I’ve settled into the role well and found a healthy balance between work and rest. I finally feel confident. I enjoy being around my colleagues and feel comfortable in the workplace.

I’m at a place where I don’t need regular employment support, but I’m still connected to the IPS programme so I can access in-work support whenever I need. Since joining the programme, I’ve also been working on achieving other important personal goals. I’m rearranging my driving test and I’ve recently got my own house. Working nights means I get to spend time with my kids. I don’t like not being there for them, so it’s a lot better now.