THE GIFTED WOMEN EMPLOYABILITY PROGRAMME

If you’re a woman in the Tavistock or Plymouth area and would like to take part in our Gifted Women Employability Programme, or find out more about how we could help you - please fill out this ‘expression of interest’ information form and click ‘Submit’.

One of our team will get back to you very shortly with more information.

Keep reading below for more info.

The Gifted Women Employability Programme:

Do you feel unable to access employment because of your life experiences? Would you like to get into work but don’t know where to start?

  • Group Work Programme

    12 group employability sessions to build self esteem, aspirations and equip you for the workplace in a fun and supportive environment.

  • Work Experience

    A work experience placement in a local business, enabling you learn new skills, get a feel for the workplace and gain confidence.

  • Community

    Our group of brilliant volunteer peer mentors run a fun drop-in group which can keep you connected after you finish the programme.

  • Support accessing employment

    Once you’re part of the Gifted Women community we will support you as much as we can to access employment or training / further education.

Who is Gifted Women for?

  • Gifted Women is for women in the Tavistock and Plymouth areas who feel far from being able to access employment due to their life experiences. If you’d like to get into work, but feel a bit lost as to where to start, we might be for you.

    Women who work with us have most often experienced trauma, often leading to what we refer to as ‘multiple disadvantage’. This can be a combination of substance misuse, homelessness, contact with the criminal justice system, removal of children into care, domestic abuse and mental ill health.

    We believe that by accessing employment, building self esteem and growing in community, women can start to take their power back. Every woman is gifted and unique, can lead a fulfilling life and be an asset to the workforce.

Testimonial from a Gifted Woman:

“Gifted Women has turned around my life of living scared, behind the curtains, socially isolated with nothing to live for, to one of hope and new beginnings..”

“The sessions were so good for me although terrifying at first.  I learned to be around people again. Non judgemental and friendly. I guess I learned that there are good people in the world and I liked being part of a group. It was a safe space where for the first time I didn't feel I had to mask myself and just be me, and that I was ok to be me.

 

The activities were a rollercoaster of silly dancing which really helped us all bond, knowing our worth as people with lived experience and first steps to healing with actually writing our experiences out and tearing them down.  

 

It also got me out of the house once a week and it gave me something to look forward to.

 

I've benefited from working with gifted women as I've gained confidence in myself, I can talk up more in groups, I smile more, I have had the opportunity to speak with one of the mentors who has helped me plan next steps of support for my children.  It has also given me a work placement to further my social skills and build up my confidence.

 

Gifted Women has turned around my life of living scared, behind the curtains, socially isolated, with nothing to live for, to one of hope and new beginnings.”

FAQs

Are travel expenses covered?

Yes, we will cover the cost of your bus fare to and from the employment programme group sessions and to your work experience placement. You will also receive £5 for lunch every session.

Will my benefits be affected?

No, none of your benefits will be impacted by joining our employability programme. While on the programme you will have the opportunity to receive 1:1 support with finance and benefits to ensure you’re receiving what you should be.

How long does the programme last?

The group work programme lasts for 12 weeks. However we will continue to support you for 12 months and as a valued member of our community you will be welcome at our drop in groups after that too.

Is there any help with childcare?

This is something we’re working on but at the moment sadly we don’t have the funds or resources to provide childcare. However our programme has been designed to accommodate mums with school age children - we don’t run any groups during the school holidays and our group work sessions run from 10am - 2pm. Work experience placements can also be arranged around caring commitments.

Where does the programme take place?

Our employability programme runs from the Mutley Plain area of Plymouth. We also run drop in / outreach groups in Tavistock and Plymouth. Work placements take place in a range of businesses across Tavistock and Plymouth.

Do I have to be in recovery?

If you have experience of addiction to substances, you will need to be drug / alcohol free in order to participate in our employability programme.

What is the time commitment?

For the first 12 weeks, our employability programme will take up 2 days of your time per week. 1 day is for the group work session, the 2nd is for your work experience placement.

Still have questions?

Why not get in touch? We will be very happy to hear from you, whatever stage you’re at.