During 2025/26, the TurnAround programme supported individuals to move from recovery into sustained employment through a coordinated, partnership-led approach. Working alongside Fife Council’s Life Chances Programme, Fife Job Contract, Waste Services, Business Gateway Fife and Justice Social Work, the initiative provides tailored support to help people build confidence, develop skills and access meaningful work opportunities.

A strong example of this impact can be seen through the journey of one participant, who moved from early recovery and uncertainty about employment into full-time paid work with Fife Council. Initially exploring self-employment options, they were supported to engage with Business Gateway Fife, gaining a better understanding of what running a business would involve. This helped them make an informed decision to focus on building work experience and financial stability first, with self-employment as a longer-term goal.

Through partnership working, the participant secured a placement within Street Cleansing via the Life Chances Programme. A joint approach between TurnAround, Life Chances and Waste Services ensured that individual needs were fully understood and supported from the outset, including flexible arrangements linked to recovery. This person-centred approach helped build confidence and enabled the participant to fully commit to the role.

Progress was steady and significant. Starting on a part-time basis in January 2026, the participant increased to full-time hours within three months. At the same time, they achieved important personal milestones, including reducing medication collection from daily to weekly and taking steps towards gaining a driving licence, supporting longer-term employability in roles where these skills are in demand.

Within six months, the participant achieved all of their initial goals, including establishing a routine, securing a full-time wage and progressing towards further qualifications. This progress led to a seasonal contract offer from May 2026, demonstrating the positive outcomes that can be achieved through early intervention, tailored support and strong partnership working.

The impact of this approach goes beyond individual outcomes. It highlights how coordinated services can support people to move forward with confidence, improve health and wellbeing, and access sustainable employment. By aligning support around the individual, partners are able to respond earlier and more effectively, reducing barriers and creating clearer pathways into work.

The project directly supports the Plan for Fife priority of tackling poverty and preventing crisis. It also contributes to ambitions around improving health outcomes, reducing reoffending, increasing employment and ensuring public services work together to act ‘one step sooner’. By helping people progress into employment and maintain stability, the programme supports more resilient individuals and communities.

Looking ahead, partners will continue to build on this approach by supporting participants to achieve further qualifications, including driving licences, and by expanding opportunities within the Life Chances Programme. The success of this case demonstrates how early planning, strong employer engagement and flexible, recovery-informed support can be replicated to support more people across Fife into sustainable employment.