Small Steps to big changes for Oldham mums
Oldham mums will be starting the new year with increased confidence and an improved skills set after completing a STEPs Personal Success course delivered by Highway to Opportunities and Spring Meadows Children’s Centre.
‘The Steps course is aimed at mothers who themselves feel that for what ever reason they may not be reaching their full potential in life.’ Explains Dawn Whittaker, Senior Information, Advice and guidance worker at Highway to Opportunities (H2O)
‘It helps them decide what they want out of life, realise that life is full of opportunities and will show them how they can go after these with new confidence. These include work, training, engaging with the community and relationships.'
One mum, Donna Mills commented ‘This course has been fantastic for me, it’s helped me deal with some of the things life throws at you in a more appropriate way, and it’s made my home life a lot better too. I’ve now got a temporary Christmas job and am hopeful that this will lead to something more permanent.”
Another mum Angie Evans certainly gained more than most from the course commenting; “Before this course I was going through a difficult time, I wasn’t getting out much and generally not enjoying things. My support worker referred me onto this course and the first week was really scary- I didn’t think I would be able to see it through, but I’m so glad I have. My confidence has improved, my self-esteem has grown and I feel like a different person now. I know that asking for help is nothing to be ashamed of, and that if I do struggle with things then I now have different coping mechanisms. The best thing of all is that I have made a group of fantastic friends and we’ll support each other through difficult times.’
“All mums shared a common interest in the aim of the course which was to gain a clearer awareness of their own strengths and qualities. At the end everyone seemed to have a stronger idea of which direction they wanted to go in, and how to get there” Explains Janine Graham, Children’s Centre Outreach Worker.
Some of the mum’s have already progressed onto further training, or employment and a number of others are looking into volunteering opportunities.
The course ran for ten weeks and participants including an additional session with partner agencies including Job Centre Plus, Lifelong Learning, Oldham Primary Care Trust, Oldham Council’s Early Intervention and Prevention Service and Oldham College who will all be offering further advice on moving on with jobs and training.
