Step Up case study - Disability (DARE) – From nervous to thriving, Step-Up helped her find her voice
Focus on people who have a disability, are aged 16 years or over and are unemployed or economically inactive. The stories highlight the impact of support provided to enhance opportunities to gain qualifications and progress into work or stay in work.
Participant is a 22-year-old female who joined the Step-Up to Restart programme. She had been away from education for some time and did not hold many qualifications. She is also a young mother.
At the beginning of the course, participant was nervous about what to expect. During registration, she wrote in comment for her review:
‘Feeling nervous. Can’t wait to start the course.’
During course, participant began to grow in confidence and ability. As part of programme, she attended weekly mentoring classes with Mentor, where she was made aware of services she could access.
Participant expressed an interest in potentially looking for part-time employment. She was hesitant due to having lack of work experience and was unsure about what role she could do. Mentor provided support with helping her to write a CV during 1.1 sessions and assisted with job searching and mock interviews.
Participants subsequent comments about the Step-Up course in her later review meeting were positive:
‘I have made new friends… I have also gained confidence in myself and improved time management and listening skills.’
She completed the Step-Up course and is working towards achieving her Level 2 qualification.