2020 ESF case study: Clanrye Group - Family Foundations 2
Family Foundations, delivered by Clanrye Group, provides holistic family support, specialist referral service and employability training to enhance social inclusion by breaking down barriers, increasing skills, qualifications and experience, resulting in positive participation in training and employment. It is part funded through the Northern Ireland European Social Fund Programme 2014-2020 and the Department for the Economy.
Participant's story
This participant was unemployed when she started with Clanrye’s Family Foundations. She was looking to build her confidence and gain employment, but was not sure where to start.
Family Foundations had teamed up with a local Community Group to offer support and qualifications within the participant’s local area. The participant decided to join to get help and support with her CV in order to gain employment. In addition, she wanted to gain ICT skills and increase her confidence, while also getting some experience.
Job searching and interview support
Short of confidence and self-belief, the participant also lacked a knowledge of job searching and the best way to apply herself for interviews. The Career Mentor at Family Foundations supported her one to one with updating her CV, helping look for work, applying for jobs through application forms and mock interviews. The participant also undertook an ICT course and not only did she achieve a qualification, but she also completed several online courses including Customer Service, First Aid and People Skills. All of these combined together have made the participant feel 100 per cent more confident within herself.
The Career Mentor arranged a work placement for the participant at a local retail outlet a few days a week. This helped build her confidence, self-esteem and communication skills. In addition, the participant has received support with group activities and workshops.
Part-time work
The experience gained in the work placement gave the participant the confidence to apply for a job. As a result of this, she is now working part-time with the retail outlet and they have made her position permanent.
She loves it there, saying,
“Not only has my confidence and self-esteem improved as a result of meeting Family Foundations staff. I feel a lot more positive about life, I have gained employment, and I am in a routine and have met new people while increasing my skills and qualifications. I would highly recommend Clanrye to anyone”.