“The idea that’s there’s possibilities now gives me hope” – Sean’s journey on Rise2Thrive Trailblazer

[Pictured – Keyworker Chris]

For most of his adult life, Sean thought the problem was him.

A former Aeronautical Engineer, he’d spent years of his working life in and out of high-pressure office environments, caught in a near-constant cycle of burnout, stress and ill health.

Yo-yoing between GP appointments, medical investigations and repeated rounds of therapy, Sean appeared to be functioning from the outside – navigating work, life and family – but found himself struggling increasingly on the inside, eventually leaving his last office role altogether.

What followed was a 20-year hiatus from paid work, during which Sean became a full-time carer for his wife, all while continuing to wonder why he found everything quite so “torturous”:

“In a busy environment, working in an office, I thought I was having a mental breakdown at one point. I went from being functional to being immersed in a world of anxiety – it was completely out of control. Whether I was working or not, I was always hiding the fact that I didn’t understand why it was so torturous”

Years later, after a lifetime of treatment-resistant anxiety and depression, a routine conversation with his GP led to the suggestion that Sean be assessed for Autism. Following a six-year wait, he finally underwent assessment – and received the diagnosis that would explain a decades long battle with both his physical and mental health.

Post diagnosis, this is where Autism Plus came in, a Yorkshire-based charity with over 30 years of experience helping neurodivergent individuals thrive in life and work.

For the last seven months, Sean has been working alongside Autism Plus Keyworker Chris Hawthorn on Rise2Thrive Trailblazer, receiving support with everything from navigating his relationship with neurodiversity, to confidence building, to exploring future career prospects.

From Chris’s perspective, it’s been about “reintegrating [Sean] back into life and society”; examining his work history through a new lens and offering a gentle “nudge”. Together, they’re working through Sean’s anxiety, and taking incremental steps to move him closer towards a return to work.

Volunteering has been a key part of the programme puzzle. Over the last few months, with a little encouragement from Chris, Sean’s started volunteering with Chain Lane’s digital inclusion scheme, CLICK.

An IT Wizz – though not by his own admission – Sean’s now supporting members of his local community to get connected, alongside supporting his own connectivity and confidence along the way:

“When we began, it was very clear that he was very anxious about going to the job centre, having conversations with us. The level of perfectionism he had was preventing him from leaving the house, to now, actively coming somewhere, volunteering, speaking with people, that’s one of the first times in 20 years he’s done that. That’s huge for him.”

For Sean, his challenges haven’t necessarily changed, but it’s the “awareness” of them which has. Now in his fifties, he’s only now beginning to work with his neurodivergence rather than against it. Different perspectives, gentle encouragement and a person-centred approach have been key, allowing Sean to move forward at his own pace, with renewed hope for the future:

“It’s exposure to alternatives, different opinions, different outlooks, more directive help, like with CVs, Chris has nudged me over the line. The idea that’s there’s possibilities now gives me hope”.

To learn more about the impact of Rise2Thrive Trailblazer and the difference person-centred support is having within the employability landscape, head over to our YouTube.