“I just love it there so much. When I'm not there, I miss it.”
This is how Abbie describes her job at Odeon Dudley, two months after starting at the cinema chain. “They’re my people,” she says. “I love it here.”
Abbie’s health problems, including suspected endometriosis, had seen her unemployed for two years before being referred to the Restart Scheme. It proved to be the turning point she needed – a source of support and encouragement when her confidence had all but disappeared.
“It was more a confidence thing, I doubted I could work,” says Abbie, 24, who in an early questionnaire had rated her confidence just one out of ten. “The Restart Scheme helped bring my confidence back up so I could work again.”
The programme is delivered in the West Midlands by Ingeus on behalf of Serco. Abbie’s Restart Advisor, Cassie, started with confidence building, progressing to CV and interview support, team building exercises, and choosing suitable interview clothing.
When Abbie was invited to an interview at Odeon, the practice paid off: “I remember thinking, ‘I've gone through these questions. I know what to say. I can get this job.’ It was one of the best interviews I've ever had.”
Abbie now works as a cinema host at Odeon Dudley, where no two shifts are the same: scanning tickets, serving customers, cleaning screens, preparing food and restocking.
“Abbie has settled well into our team,” says Holly Tonks, cinema experience manager. “She is reliable and hardworking and has consistently supported her team by picking up extra shifts to cover absences when needed.”
Her dedication also caught the eye of a customer who left a glowing online review praising her as a “cinema extraordinaire” after she spent 15 minutes helping him fix a voucher issue.
Supported by a management team that understands her health needs, Abbie continues to thrive. Holly adds: “Abbie has really taken accountability for her own learning. She is a very driven individual, and it has been great to see Abbie's confidence grow.”
Working has given Abbie back her independence, motivation and sense of purpose.
“I look forward to going to work, which I've never had before,” adds Abbie. “I literally feel like a new person in the best way possible.”
Small everyday things show how far she has come: going to watch a film alone or walking 20 minutes home from the bus were things she would have shied away from before this role.
Looking ahead, Abbie hopes to progress within Odeon and eventually apply for a management role. Her advice to others on the Restart Scheme? “Trust the process. You will get there. It is genuinely so worth it.”
