Ingeus stirs up a cocktail of success for Kane
21 Jan. 2026
A partnership between Ingeus and
Only a Pavement Away is proving the perfect cocktail for 34 year-old Kane, serving up a blend of expertise and support for him to ace his job at
The Alchemist in Manchester.
Unemployed for almost seven years, Kane, who is autistic, was struggling to secure a job. He’d applied for over a hundred roles and attended multiple interviews with no luck. Referred to the
Restart Scheme, he was able to access the combined support he needed from Ingeus and Only a Pavement Away.
“I worked in a paid, temporary retail role until 2018,” says Kane, who volunteered in charity shops while unemployed. “I really wanted to stay in retail as I enjoyed it, but I was struggling to find another role due to my autism. Getting as far as the interviews but never getting the job really hit me hard – I became depressed and my anxiety got worse.”
Kane initially lived with his parents after his paid work ended, then secured his own flat in 2021. Increasing financial and mental health challenges led to him giving up his home in 2023. As his situation changed, the support he received did too.
Together, Ingeus and Only a Pavement Away offer tailored employment support to jobseekers who, like Kane, are at risk of homelessness. While Ingeus provides structured employment support, Only a Pavement Away offers tailored learning and development, financial support and employment opportunities in the hospitality industry – the perfect mix for Kane.
He says: “My Restart Advisor really encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and go for a job in hospitality. She told me to just go for it. So I did! With her support, my confidence in talking about my disability grew.”
After two successful interviews, Kane landed his role at The Alchemist in Spinningfields, Manchester, in June 2024. Working part time, he helps to set up the restaurant and greet customers.
Kane’s manager and General Manager of The Alchemist, Barry, says: “Kane’s attitude was note-perfect from the start, and he showed no fear or hesitation in getting stuck into the role. His enthusiasm has never waned; he's grown in confidence in what tasks he can carry out.”
Keen to go travelling with his friends, Kane has been able to work extra hours to boost his funds. It’s something Barry’s been fully supportive of and is pleased to give Kane the opportunity to grow further.
“The team all love working with Kane,” says Barry. “They understand that they have to be more patient and supportive around him, and he’s become an invaluable member of the team.
“The support from Ingeus and Only a Pavement Away has been superb from day one. They facilitated Kane's onboarding excellently and set him up for success. We would have no hesitation in recommending either of them, and would absolutely use them to place further people into employment with us.”
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