As finding work becomes harder than ever for many people, The Salvation Army has been helping jobseekers in Cardiff build confidence through a wellbeing walk ahead of UK Employability Day this Friday (26 June).
As part of a series of nationwide activities its Employment Plus service is supporting people not only to find work, but to improve wellbeing and confidence − key steps on the journey into employment.
In Cardiff, The Salvation Army’s Employment Practitioner, Paul Laybourn, recently led a wellbeing walk through Bute Park for neurodiverse clients experiencing social isolation. The group followed the River Taff in a relaxed setting designed to help the people connect with others in the group and build confidence.
During the walk on Monday 15 June, Michael Littlejohn from Cardiff shared his dream of seeing a kingfisher. Paul led the group to a nearby bridge where the birds are often spotted and after a short wait, two appeared, leaving Michael overwhelmed with emotion.
Michael said:
“I never thought I would ever see a real kingfisher. Seeing two today makes this one of the best days I have ever had. I can’t wait to tell my Jobcentre work coach what Paul did for me.”
The group then cut through a wooded area, helping them build confidence on uneven ground. The walk ended at a local café where participants relaxed together.
Paul Laybourn said:
“Everyone on the walk said the experience helped them feel less stressed and less alone. I think it highlights how wellbeing and confidence-building can play a vital role in moving closer to work. That’s one of the key messages of Employability Day.”
Sarah Jefferies, Regional Manager of Employment Plus for The Salvation Army in Wales and Southwest said:
“Across Wales, we are seeing fewer entry-level opportunities and longer job queues, meaning many people who are not yet ‘job ready’ risk being left behind.
“We support people who are keen to work but face significant barriers. Many need wider support before they are ready to apply for jobs. Our Employment Plus service provides specialist, support based on a person’s individual needs that builds confidence and skills, helping people move forward into meaningful work.”
Around 18,000 people locally were claiming unemployment-related benefits on average in 2025(1), the main route to government employment support. An estimated 17,900 people, or 49.9% of those experiencing real unemployment, may not be accessing this support, highlighting the importance of services beyond the benefits system.
Employment Plus is delivered through 327 Salvation Army churches, centres and homelessness services across the UK, as well as in 230 partner locations, including Jobcentre Plus sites and 13 prisons.
The Salvation Army’s Employment Plus service offers tailored support to help people become job ready. To find your nearest Employment Plus Service visit the website www.salvationarmy.org.uk/employment-plus
(1) The Salvation Army analysis of Annual Population Survey (APS) data for the Cardiff Travel to Work Area and Wales, people aged 16-64, Jan 2025 to Dec 2025 (Office for National Statistics, 2026). Real unemployment combines people who are officially unemployed with people who are economically inactive but say they want a job. The rate is calculated by treating economically inactive people who want a job as part of the adjusted labour force.