Fair Start Scotland turned Ginny's life around

“Because of Momentum my life has changed completely and it feels amazing” Ginny, Fair Start Scotland participant, Borders

Why Ginny joined Fair Start Scotland service

Ginny, 43 from Galashiels, joined the Fair Start Scotland programme as she had previously struggled to secure full-time employment as a single mum. Ginny couldn’t find work to fit around her caring duties and she doesn’t have family nearby to support her. 

Seven months ago, Ginny decided enough was enough and signed up for Fair Start Scotland. She was teamed up with personal adviser Laura Currie from Momentum, a support service for the socially excluded and an organisation that delivers part of the programme on behalf of StartScotland. 

How Fair Start Scotland helped

After a short time on the programme it became clear that Ginny had several barriers to finding work. Not least the previous family issues and other life circumstances that left her struggling with mental health issues. Laura used her knowledge of local services and her contacts to signpost Ginny to the support she needed to get help with her mental health. 

Working with Momentum and other organisations to face her mental health issues head on provided Ginny with increased strength and resilience, leaving her feeling like finding a job and sustaining it was an achievable ambition. 

Just seven months after joining the programme Ginny was delighted to be offered a role as an Administration Assistant. 

Ginny said: "I had a breakdown a few months ago and as I'm on my own with two young children it was a very scary place to be. It was Fair Start Scotland who build me back up. They are dealing with many people like me... they go above and beyond helping people find jobs. I'm now working, and I feel very confident for the future. As dramatic as it sounds, they saved my life!"

She’s so happy she’s even written to her local MP so that more people can find out about the support available in their area.