“I’ve started to believe in myself again”

We were first introduced to Dom* via Stockport Council’s Youth Offending Team. From a young age, Dom had been involved in criminal activity, which eventually led to a spell in a Young Offenders provision. Upon release, he was placed on a tag and relocated away from his hometown, with restrictions preventing him from entering any part of Stockport. This sudden disconnection from his family and friends had a significant impact on his mental health. Having already developed challenges trusting adults, following his experiences in the care system, Dom became even more closed off and mistrustful of professionals, often saying things like: “You’re all the same – say one thing and do another”.

Groundwork’s Employment Advisor Debs first met Dom in March 2025 at a café near where he was living. Recognising Dom’s previous experiences, Debs reassured him that she would only make commitments which she could follow through with. Her goal at this stage was to show Dom that people can be reliable and build trust in the relationship over time.

Debs asked Dom about his career options and he shared an interest for working in the construction industry. Debs talked through how she had supported other young people similar to Dom with this goal and outlined the steps they could take together, with a key goal being to secure a CSCS Green Card, a qualification required to work on all UK building sites.

Dom agreed to attend weekly one-to-one sessions with Debs and together. In these sessions they worked through different training modules, such as Health and Safety. In each session Debs worked through a mock test with Dom, talking through any incorrect answers in detail. Despite the challenges in his life, Dom’s dedication to his training was evident and his knowledge and scores steadily improved each week.

As trust developed, Dom became more open to Debs about his future aspirations. He shared his hopes of completing his Youth Offending Service order, finding stable employment, and being a positive role model for his younger siblings. When he passed his first Health and Safety exam with flying colours his confidence received a real boost.

His CSCS mock test results also continued to improve, rising from 46 to 49 out of 50 and he is due to be take his full test in the coming weeks.

Dom’s Personal Adviser in the Youth Offending Team has observed a noticeable change in him, highlighting that he has never committed to training or education in this way before. This shift is credited to the strong, trust-based relationship he developed with Debs using Groundwork’s Care to Work approach. Dom has enjoyed the programme so much he has even recommended it to his friends, two of which are now engaged in Groundwork’s Care to Work programme.

Deb was very easy to talk to and very good to work with. I would recommend Groundwork to anyone who in a similar position to me.