After dedicating 17 years to supporting students as a Senior Learning Advisor in a secondary school, Joy Silvera never imagined leaving the job that brought her such pride and purpose. When redundancy changed everything, Joy found herself facing one of the most difficult chapters of her life.

What followed was a period filled with uncertainty and personal loss. Joy became a full-time carer for her father as his health declined. Then, the unimaginable happened again, as her brother fell seriously ill. The emotional weight of caring for both family members, combined with the shock of so much change, left Joy feeling adrift.

Despite the challenges, Joy took the first step towards healing by seeking help and beginning cognitive behavioural therapy. It was through this journey that her work coach introduced her to Springboard. Joy was apprehensive at first, unsure of how she’d fit in after several years away from the workforce, but she decided to show up.

From day one, Joy felt welcomed. “Wayne and the team created an environment where I could be myself,” she says. Through the programme, she learned how her existing skills could transition into a new industry. More importantly, she regained her confidence. “The course reignited something in me – confidence, capability, hope. I wasn’t invisible anymore.”

With the support of Springboard, Joy secured a role at the London Hilton Metropole as part of the reception team. She describes each day as a new beginning: “I’m still healing, but I’m living again, not just surviving. And for the first time in a long while, I’m proud of where I am and excited for what’s to come.”