Carl was referred to the Restart Scheme in August 2025. At the time, he was managing the challenges of being partially sighted, as well as dealing with stress and anxiety. These barriers affected the types of work available to him, but Carl was still motivated and eager to find employment.
Before applying for work, Carl had been gaining valuable voluntary experience at the North Clwyd Animal Rescue charity shop in Denbigh, where he had supported the team for many years. His time there showed that he was reliable, motivated and genuinely interested in the work.
When the charity shop later offered the chance to apply for a paid role, Carl was invited to attend an interview. This was something he had not done for many years, and although he felt nervous, he was also excited about the opportunity. With support from the Restart Scheme, he practised interview questions and techniques, which helped him build his confidence and feel more prepared. He began to feel clearer about his strengths and how to present them.
On 24 November 2025, following his successful interview, Carl started a full-time position with the charity shop. Securing the role made him feel ecstatic and marked a significant step forward in both his personal and professional journey.
