"I feel inspired and motivated to do more and chase my dreams, as I have realised there is so much more to discover about me.”
“The programme has been interesting and I have enjoyed meeting new people.”
“It has been inspirational and encouraging.”
The above quotes were written by some of the women who took part in the Walsall Empowering Women Workshop in May 2019 over five days at Walsall College – The Hub.
Kerry (aged 41), was one of the participants. She found out about the workshops that were shared on Facebook.
“I’m really happy with the sessions. I found them really interesting. They’ve been really helpful as to where I am at the moment. They’ve really fitted in. I’ve learnt about barriers to moving forward, applying for jobs and interview techniques.”
Following the third day of the workshops, Kerry went to Walsall College and booked on to a careers interview to identify potential opportunities.
Donna is one of three Walsall for All Community Connectors who has supported the women throughout their journey. She said: “It’s been inspirational to see how far all of the women have come from Day 1 to Day 5.
“It’s really been an incredible journey for all of us and for them.”
Ten women from different areas of the borough came together at the workshops to learn how to build self-confidence and self-esteem, recognise existing skills, identify personal and career aspirations and explore entrepreneurial opportunities.
On the last day, the women celebrated their progress and received certificates to recognise their achievements.
They also heard from speakers Ritu Sharma (Inspirational Speaker), Angela (Holiday Inn) and Kerry (Steps to Work), who inspired the women to move forward and have more confidence than ever before to take on new challenges and opportunities.
In addition, Bally Pahal (Operational Lead) has secured Wellbeing Sessions to ensure there is ongoing support for the women after completion of the programme.
The Empowering Women Workshops relate to our third priority area Working and Contributing Together. In our plan, we have committed to working with our partners to support those to access employment, education and training opportunities, including women in the local community to better understand their specific needs.
Gerry Lyng, Partnerships Manager for Department for Work and Pensions said:
“In response to MHCLG Integrated Communities Strategy Green Paper, DWP nationally confirmed: “We will provide additional funding to Jobcentre Plus in the Integration Areas so they can support more people from the most isolated communities into work, identifying and delivering new interventions to address local employment challenges as an important part of the new Local Integration Strategies.”
This project has been joint organised by Walsall for All, Department for Work and Pensions, Aaina Community Hub and Walsall Black Sisters Collective.
Your Community Connectors
Throughout the whole process, the women have been supported by the Community Connectors Hayley, Donna and Bindy.
The three Community Connectors are based in the community and are working with partners to help with improving self-confidence and belief, offering support in a non-judgmental manner, learning, training and employment opportunities, increasing social networks and making positive lifestyle changes.
Tailored support and advice is also available, which includes benefits, budgeting, childcare, CV writing, work calculations and many more.
They run Coffee Mornings every Wednesday morning at Gios Italian (Ryecroft Community Hub) from 9am to 12pm and Friday mornings at Caldmore Community Gardens from 9am to 12pm.
If you would like to find out more or you have any questions, please contact one of the Community Connectors - Hayley (07741231911), Donna (07917473733) or Bindy (07788360148). Alternatively, you can email walsall.communityconnectors@dwp.gov.uk
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