Case Study

Soffy masters the art of reinvention

5 Aug 2025

While Soffy’s artistic talents bring friends to life in vibrant textiles, her own self-image was distinctly colourless. Struggling with social anxiety after a series of major life events saw her leave her home country and single-handedly bring up four children. She feared she would never achieve the creative working future she dreamed of. Now, with new training under her belt, a part-time job, and support to launch her own business, she’s painting a new picture for herself. 

Soffy, who lives in Carlisle, was referred to the Work and Health Programme North West, run by Ingeus, in September 2024 after being unemployed for a year. Her past life had been steered by family bereavements and an enforced move from Kenya in 2014. Finding it overwhelming, Soffy worried about going out and trying new things. Her creative spark waned until, during lockdown, she tried a new craft, using a carpet-making turfing gun to create eye-catching, abstract wall art inspired by memories of home. 

“I felt like I’d woken up,” says Soffy, “I wanted to move forward but the confidence wasn’t there.” 

Soffy joined the employability group at her local Ingeus office. Purposely kept small, the group not only provides CV, application, and interview advice, but builds confidence in group situations with many participants developing friendships and finding peer support. She also attended appointments with Jon, a key worker, who encouraged her to take a part-time job, attend an adult education digital marketing course, and referred her for self-employment advice to begin selling her artworks. They proved to be Soffy’s three-steps to success: 

“Ingeus really helped,” Soffy adds. “There was no judgment, just the feeling that I mattered. It was so good to know I had someone rooting for me, someone to guide me. I’ve taken a tufting canvas into the Ingeus centre and everyone had a go. I still attend the Friday coffee mornings and have started to really enjoy talking to new people there.” 

Ingeus provided workwear for Soffy’s part time job in a food production facility, sourced a fully funded ten-week training course with Carlisle College, and replaced her broken turfing gun. They also referred Soffy to self-employment specialist John, at Kilcoyne Associates, for advice on making her creative business a reality.  

"John gave me step by step instructions on setting up my business. We looked at business planning, legal set up, and the principles of marketing. That advice was invaluable. 

“I was really unsure of the college course at first but actually I’ve loved it. Coding is challenging but fun and enabled me to create my own website, albeit it's still a work in progress. It’s opened another new avenue for me and I’m hoping to find an apprenticeship in digital marketing and web design. 

“I now have the resources to produce my designs and hope to eventually set up a studio to exhibit my work and provide lessons. I never felt settled in the UK but now I have the makings of a happy life here for me and my children.”

Browse Soffy's African inspired artwork and free verse poems based on her subjects.