Step Up case study - Building confidence and interaction
Focus on unemployed or economically women. The case studies show the positive impact which the support provides for women in building confidence, refreshing skills, gaining qualifications and work experience and to create progression pathways to further and higher education and/or employment.
Background
This Participant suffered from severe anxiety and suffering regular panic attacks, it was very challenging to go out of her comfort zone to try something new and have some time for herself. The participant is a carer for her parents and has family members with additional support and medical needs that require her care and attention. The participant said:
“Being in this class gave me something to do that was just for me. “
The Step Up tutor said:
“It has been wonderful to see her grow in confidence. She gave so much to the class and her caring nature saw her nurturing and helping her peers. She tried every activity and inspired others with her creativity and her openness.”
The project inspired a love of photography, and the participant began to work regularly with the tutors and the photographer to grow her portfolio.
The Participant said:
“I have discovered a love of photography, I never used to leave the house and now I am out taking photos and meeting people.”
This participant completed the programme and successfully progressed to the CC24+ strand achieving her Level 2 in Project for work. She has now enrolled in a photography course at SERC to pursue her love of photography and new opportunities.
The Participant said:
“Being able to interact with other people was a huge achievement for me – I can now attend a class without freaking out when someone talks to me – I still have my medication but have been able to cope better. “