Posted: August 18, 2026
Good Shepherd’s Employment Ready Project supports people experiencing multiple challenges to build confidence, develop skills and move closer to employment.
As part of the project, Training and Development Keyworker Sue works alongside people to improve their employability through tailored support, including CV development, interview preparation, training opportunities and pathways into work.
One of the people Sue has recently supported is Sandra.
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Earlier this year, Sandra came to Good Shepherd for food support after experiencing financial difficulties that left her at risk of homelessness. Having recently left a temporary and unpredictable live-in caring role that was affecting her health and wellbeing, she found herself struggling to cover the rent on her private accommodation and facing an uncertain future.
When Sandra first attended Good Shepherd, Sandra was feeling overwhelmed by stress, lacking in confidence and feeling withdrawn.
“I was really stressed. You could see it on my face, in my mood. I wasn’t smiling. I was worried about paying my rent and what I was going to do.”
Sandra was introduced to Training and Development Keyworker Sue who supported her to explore opportunities to develop her employability and long-term aspirations. Sue said:
“Sandra shared that her true passion had always been hair and beauty. She had done small amounts of informal work in this area, but without formal qualifications she felt unable to pursue it as a long‑term career. Her goal was to eventually work for herself, but she lacked confidence and didn’t know where to start.“
“Together, we focused on rebuilding her confidence and identifying clear next steps. I supported her to explore a range of training and development opportunities, including Hair and Beauty courses at City of Wolverhampton College, employability support through Embark Academy and other skills-building opportunities available locally.”
Sandra continued applying for work so she could maintain her tenancy and support herself financially. She was delighted to be offered a role with ABP Food. At the same time, with support from Good Shepherd, she completed assessments for a Level 2 Hair and Beauty course at Wolverhampton College and was placed on a waiting list for the next stage of the admissions process.
From left to right: Sue, Training and Development Keyworker and Sandra
“Stepping into this building (Good Shepherd) made me better. I had somebody to talk to. Somebody who listened. I started believing in myself again.”
“She made it very easy (Sue). She found the information, sent me the links and helped me understand my options. I wouldn’t have known where to begin.”
While the practical support was invaluable, Sandra says the biggest change was the impact it had on her confidence and wellbeing.
When she first engaged with Good Shepherd, she was struggling with the combined pressure of unemployment, financial difficulties and health challenges. Over time, she became more positive hopeful about the future.
“She was helping me think when I couldn’t think for myself. She would say, ‘How about we try this?’ or ‘What about this option?’ It really helped me rebuild myself.”
Sandra also completed additional online beauty training and continued growing her makeup business, determined to keep moving towards her goals.
“I wanted to push myself because someone was putting so much effort into helping me. I didn’t want that effort to go to waste.”
Today, Sandra is back in employment, able to manage her rent and working towards a future in an industry she is passionate about. She remains optimistic about securing her place on the Hair and Beauty course and gaining the qualifications that will help her take the next step in her career.
“I want to learn more, improve my skills and build a better future for myself. Getting this qualification would mean a lot to me.”
Reflecting on the support she received, Sandra credits the relationship she built with Sue as a key part of her journey.
“She was helping me see things differently and giving me ideas when I felt stuck. She believed in me, and that helped me believe in myself again.”