Case Study

Before attending the Restart Scheme RISE residential experience in the autumn of 2025, Jago’s life was stilted by things he’d never done. Aged 22, he’d never stayed away from home before, never started a conversation with someone new, and had certainly never been out on open water or climbed a bouldering wall. He almost didn’t get on the bus for what turned out to be the trip of a lifetime but now he’s in work, progressing, and has ambitions of running his own pub by the time he’s 30. 

 

“No one wants a shy bartender,” he jokes. “I don’t have to wait for other people to talk to me now, I can start the conversation. That first-step awkwardness has gone.” 

 

Today, Jago works for a Manchester brewery company and is training at a pub in Denton. It’s a huge step on from the Jago who, with a fear of water, heights, and meeting new people, threw himself bravely into five days away with 50 other 18-24 year-old Restart Scheme participants at Laches Wood Outdoor Education Centre. Run by Ingeus, the RISE residential pilot aimed to inspire and empower young jobseekers with confidence-boosting, team building, and employment-enhancing activities, combining outdoor pursuits with practical work and life skills.  

 

Jago had struggled to find work after completing college and working in temporary, part-time roles. Referred to the Restart Scheme, delivered by Ingeus in Manchester, he says that from the front desk onwards, the friendly staff helped boost his confidence in meeting new people – enough to help him apply for a RISE residential place and step onto the bus.  
 

“I’ve always really struggled with social anxiety and was so nervous that I was close to not going,” says Jago, from Mossley. “I’m so glad that I did. I sat next to another participant on the bus and we got chatting, then I knew it would all be OK. Talking to people my own age really helped, and we encouraged each other to do things we’d never tried before. I loved going canoeing and was chuffed to come home with a first aid qualification too.” 

 

Despite his new-found skills and confidence, Jago faced a further hurdle when he was diagnosed with epilepsy. 

 

“It hit me hard,” says Jago, “but I am managing my condition with medication now. I can’t work in safety-critical roles but I feel like I’ve found my fit at the brewery.  

 

“Before, I would clam up in interviews and make up stupid excuses not to do things, but when I went for my interview after RISE, everything just clicked. I’m ambitious to move into hospitality management and am looking to the future. I feel I’ve got genuine prospects here and would love to run my own bar – never say never!”