As part of our “Career Development and Skills Assessment” group sessions, we held a group career guidance session on 17 January 2026, facilitated by Sofia Botsfari, our Skills Development Lead.
Nine participants took part, consisting of unemployed individuals and people navigating career transitions. The session used a group discussion format, giving participants space to share their experiences with unemployment: the anxiety it brings, what long-term unemployment means for their sense of identity and routine, and what they feel is missing — whether in terms of skills, confidence, or support — on their path back into work.
The session followed a traditional, narrative-based counselling approach, grounded in active listening and peer exchange rather than formal assessment tools.
Common themes that emerged from the discussion included feelings of being at a dead end, the daily practical difficulties of unemployment, including balancing job searching with caregiving responsibilities, and a sense of inadequacy tied to prolonged joblessness. Participants collectively identified the need to better understand and articulate their own skills as a key step forward.
Important note: Participant details are kept confidential in line with our data protection practices.
