When major changes at Tata Steel impacted hundreds of jobs in Port Talbot, many faced an uncertain future. For Martyn Wagstaff, it became the start of a new chapter.
A long-time Mental Health and Wellbeing Advisor at Tata Steel, Martyn was made redundant on 31 December 2024. Like many others, he was left with questions about what came next. But thanks to the support of Neath Port Talbot Council’s Employability Team and the UK Government’s Employment and Skills Fund, Martyn was able to retrain, rebuild, and refocus his career around something he’s deeply passionate about: mental health.
Martyn discovered the Community Hub at Aberavon Shopping Centre, where he was introduced to the wide range of training and funding options available. That marked the turning point.
“This funding has been invaluable. One of my courses was in Oxford, and they even helped with travel and accommodation costs, making it financially possible for me to complete my training,” Martyn said.
Since then, he has completed multiple qualifications, including:
Education and Teaching Assessor Level 3
Mental Health First Aid Instructor certification
Master Neurolinguistic Practitioner training
Armed with new skills and a renewed sense of purpose, Martyn launched Springfield Advisory — a professional but personal mental health and wellbeing service for employers and employees across South Wales and beyond.
A Broader Support Network for the Community
Martyn’s journey is just one example of what’s possible with the right support in place. Through the Tata Steel transition funding, individuals and businesses in Port Talbot can access:
Grants for retraining and skills development
Support to start a new business or become self-employed
Licences, equipment and business growth funding
Help safeguarding existing jobs and identifying new opportunities
Grants are available for:
Former Tata Steel workers
Family members in the same household
Affected subcontractors and supply chain businesses
Local businesses looking to stabilise or expand
Whether it’s accessing mental health training or exploring a completely new career path, support is ready and waiting. The Opportunity Hub at Aberavon Shopping Centre and the Tata Steel Transition Information Hub online are both valuable entry points for anyone affected.
Martyn’s story shows what’s possible when people are given the chance to regroup and move forward. If you’re an employer or team leader looking to support your people through change, get in touch with Springfield Advisory — we’re here to help.
View the full article here:
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/special-features/help-support-people-businesses-affected-31028332