Alex Sweeney

My story

Background

Alex accessed the Into Work Employment Programme during a very difficult period in his life. At the start of 2025, he was experiencing significant mental health challenges and was unemployed. He felt extremely low and overwhelmed by his circumstances, recognising that he needed support quickly.

Alex describes himself at that time as shy and withdrawn. Having attended a special needs school, he felt his educational opportunities were limited and his confidence was very low. His social life was minimal due to anxiety, and following the end of a relationship, his wellbeing declined further. He openly shares that his mental health reached a critical point.

Programme Support

Alex credits the Into Work Employment Programme with transforming his life. He highlights the consistent encouragement and guidance he received from staff, particularly during moments of crisis.

One significant memory involved contacting his employment specialist during a severe emotional episode. Through calm reassurance and breathing techniques, he was supported in regulating his emotions. He continues to use these techniques today and has even shared them with others.

Another key milestone was delivering a public speech in October to an audience of over 100 people on his 4-week hospitality course which his employer engagement officer referred him to. He was one of two people chosen from the course to speak. Although public speaking remains challenging, he received help drafting his speech from his employer engagement officer and practical techniques to manage his anxiety from his employment specialist. He also attended a PwC head office open day where one professional speaker spoke for 30minute giving Alex and all clients expert public speaking tips. This experience marked a major step forward in building his confidence.

Impact and Reflection

Since engaging with the programme, Alex reports a significant improvement in his confidence and communication skills. He now feels more capable of speaking with employers and actively pursuing employment opportunities. He has completed a one-month paid placement at a pub and a 3-month paid placement at a London city hotel. He is now focusing on a full-time barista job.

He is also currently working towards becoming a Mental Health Support Worker, motivated by his own lived experience and a desire to help others who may be struggling.

Reflecting on his journey, Alex acknowledges that his mental health had previously deteriorated during the COVID-19 period, when he attempted to take his own life. He expresses gratitude to services that supported him at that time and states that engaging with the programme in 2025 was life-changing.

His message to others is clear: it is okay to not be okay. Support is available, and no one should suffer alone.