BLOG: Shane’s Story

02 Apr BLOG: Shane’s Story

Shane’s Story: Building Confidence and Skills with Oakleaf 

Starting a new chapter in life can feel daunting, especially when it comes after significant personal and professional challenges. Shane shares his journey with Oakleaf, detailing how counselling, guidance, and skills courses have helped him rebuild confidence, update his knowledge, and prepare for an exciting new career. 

“I came to Oakleaf in 2023 after being diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety. This came after brain surgery for epilepsy which, despite being successful, affected my mental health and led me to step away from my 20-year career in banking as a Branch Manager. 

In 2023, an estimated 17 million workdays were lost in the UK due to work‑related stress, depression, or anxiety. 

A family friend who volunteers at Oakleaf suggested I meet with one of their employment advisors to discuss the support options available and how Oakleaf could help me. 

Initially, I started counselling at Oakleaf, which was incredibly supportive. It helped me identify certain issues and feelings of resentment I had towards myself as well as reflect on the ways in which my epilepsy has affected my life. After a few sessions, I felt able to start again – I now had the tools I needed to deal with a bad day, or any situations thrown at me. I had known for a while that I wasn’t in a good mental state and had previously dismissed the idea of counselling but in truth, it was very beneficial to me and a real eye opener. 

Following attendance to Oakleaf counselling sessions in 24/25, 86% of clients reported meaningful positive growth in their overall wellbeing (measured by the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale). In addition, the number of clients reporting having low wellbeing, dropped from 78% before counselling to just 32% after. 

During this time, I also took a temporary management role at Tesco’s working nights – both to keep some income coming in and to give myself time to decide which industry I wanted to pursue next. I have always loved working with members of the public and supporting people as it gives you a sense of achievement. When you leave work, you feel as though you have made a difference.  

While job hunting, I realised that even management roles in hospitality now often require experience with IT systems, including Excel, Word, Windows, Copilot, and Office 365, along with understanding spreadsheets and data management. Oakleaf suggested I improve my IT skills through GoSkills courses, and the team has been brilliant. They helped me with my first coding course, and since then I have fully completed courses in Leading Effective Meetings, Goal Setting for Personal & Professional Success, How to Conduct a Job Interview, and Leadership Training. 

I am currently undertaking basic and advanced Word, Excel, and Copilot 365 courses. Colin, Chris, and the rest of the IT team have been supportive and flexible when I cannot make sessions due to work, and encouraging throughout – which has boosted my confidence and strengthened my CV. 

These courses have helped me expand my knowledge, enhance my existing skills, and make them more relevant to how current employers want managers to operate and interact with their teams. The IT courses have filled gaps in my knowledge, brought my skills up to date, and made my CV more appealing – showing employers that I am still learning, despite my experience and age. 

In 2024/25, 59 Oakleaf clients progressed to either part-time/full-time employment or a volunteering role, with 48 clients gaining a certificate or qualification.  

I genuinely believe the range of courses Oakleaf and GoSkills offer can help anyone. They are designed to be flexible so you can study at your own pace, and the team is always on hand to provide guidance and support. 

I am still studying and working with Hays Recruitment, actively researching and applying for jobs. My goal is to leave retail and start a new career in hospitality or HR, and I feel confident and excited about what is ahead.” 

Shane’s journey highlights the real impact that guidance, training, and support can have on someone navigating career change and mental health challenges. Oakleaf is proud to offer personalised counselling and skills development opportunities that empower adults across Surrey to rebuild confidence, update their skills, and take positive steps towards a fulfilling future.