Meet Akash: A Day in the Life of a Key Worker Supporting People in Sheffield

• Akash helps economically inactive people in Sheffield to improve their confidence, boost their wellbeing, and take positive steps towards work.
• His role includes community outreach, person‑centred support, and helping people overcome health, language, and personal barriers.
• As a local key worker, Akash finds purpose in making a difference in the lives of people across his home city.

The Growth Company is a social enterprise that delivers employment, justice, and health support across the North of England and the Midlands.

Much of our success is down to the expertise and dedication of our colleagues. Behind every participant who realised their goals are staff members who supported them.

To highlight their impact, we’re telling the stories of employment advisors, key workers, and everyone in between – so, meet Akash, whose job is to help economically inactive people in Sheffield into work.

An average day for a key worker in Sheffield

Akash enjoys the diversity of his role. “Each day starts differently for me,” he says. “I could be visiting a number of places in the community.”

“Today, I’ve been at one of my favourite places, the community hub, which is run by a group of really passionate volunteers.

“I was in for a couple of one-to-ones, and I identified a few participants who I’ve been able to work with.”

Akash points out that there are always challenges to get to grips with: “A huge part of my job is building trust in the community and helping people who may face language or personal barriers.

“A typical day for me involves meeting a lot of people in the community and helping them access the right support.”

Akash finds this incredibly rewarding, but he also highlights that his is a target-driven role, though this, he cheerfully tells us, suits his personality.

Ultimately, the ability to do some good in his home city motivates Akash more than anything else. “I actually live locally and grew up here,” he adds. “Knowing that I’m making a difference in my local area is what really drew me to this job.”

Akash’s story highlights the Growth Company’s commitment to delivering person‑centred employment and health support to help people boost their wellbeing and confidence, and get work-ready.

The Growth Company

The Growth Company is an award-winning social enterprise with a 35-year history of enabling growth, creating jobs, and improving lives. We help people and businesses to develop, grow, and succeed through a range of employment, skills, and business support services. We provide employment, justice, and health services across the North of England and beyond.

Find out more about the health and wellbeing support that we deliver.