John John had been working in a factory environment in Dorking for just over 10 years. For much of that time he enjoyed his work there, but the management changed and because he found it hard to deal with this he became progressively unwell, more depressed and was having lengthy periods off sick. Each time he tried to go back to work it was harder, until he was finally signed off on long term sick leave with the recommendation being made that different work might be the answer. Our Surrey Supported Employment partner ESRA (Employment Support Retraining Agency) were asked to support John. They worked with John to identify his skills and ambitions and put together a summary vocational assessment to show what he could offer an employer. They also identified training that John could do while he was still off sick. John considered leaving his employer and started looking outside for alternative work. However his employer had some responsibility to consider employing him in other departments. ESRA talked to the employer and, even though John had few computer skills, John was offered alternative work in administration for a trial period. This was successful for both John and his employer and John was offered formal employment, with support from ESRA. John started this last September and is saying that he now looks forward to going to work and it is no longer an effort getting up in the morning. He works as part of a team, and when the others are on leave he takes responsibility for the work, including taking minutes at meetings. His self-confidence is now built back to a level where he is proud of the work he does. ESRA will continue to support John in his employment and development and when the time is right, and all 3 parties concerned, i.e. John, the employer and ESRA agree, ESRA will withdraw and leave John to enjoy his success.