Pluss Meaningful Opportunities
The Meaningful Opportunities ESF funded project has been operating across Devon over the last two years supporting people with Mental Health issues to return to education, training and work. It is with regret that we cannot secure future funding for the project beyond teh end of March 2008. We have, therefore, advised staff, clients and other agencies involved with the project that it will cease from the end of March 2008.
FREEPHONE: 0800 91 777 92
Email working@pluss.org.uk
Meaningful Opportunities is jointly funded by the Eurpoean Social Fund
CASE STUDIES
Gill a 45 year old divorcee, had been declared bankrupt having run a business in the catering trade. She had deep depression and anxiety. She was referred to us through the Disability Employment Advisor at Tiverton job centre in June 2006.
Gill had no idea of what she wanted to do, but needed something to fill the massive void in her life that losing her business had caused.
We ran the Adult Directions programme which recommended amongst her top four employmet possibilities, aromatherapy & embalmer. Gill was very keen to learn more about becoming an embalmer, the appeal being the "quirkyness" of the job linked to her skills with using her hands and her caring nature.
Whilst we were considering this option Gill joined a one day voluntary course at the Sunningmead Community Centre in Tiverton on aromatherapy.
At our next meeting Gill requested that we searched for a "Certificated" course in a related subject. The result being she enrolled on a ITEC Diploma in Holistic Massage course run by Devon County Council Adult & Community Learning Service, at a centre in Exmouth (the nearest to Tiverton).
To date Gill has completed in excess of 180 hours of study at the Exmouth centre, plus a substantial amount of home study to meet the demands of this course. Her final exams. one theory and the other practical take place next month. her mock exam results suggest she should achieve a good pass.
On gaining her Diploma Gill hopes, with our continued support, to move into employment, and subject to the conditions of her bankruptcy once again start her own business.
In addition to studying for this course, Gill has also done voluntary work for the Guide Dogs for the Blind, and local community support services (catering).
Gill is very grateful for our financial support, but more so for the emotional support Meaningful Opportunities has given her in keeping her focused on her coursework.
Crediton Area (mid Devon)
Jono. 41 years.
Jono applied to MO on 22nd August 2006, following referral from Churches Housing Action Trust (CHAT) (who had found Jono a flat to live in following a number of years living the "TRAVELLER" life style and drugs and alcohol abuse), through Workways.
Jono was very keen to make considerable changes to his previous lifestyle. He had some good ideas and aspirations to find full time work in the digital imaging/design field. He had produced some excellent photographic and art work, but needed to develop his IT skills to bring himself up to date.
He was also determined to satisfy the demands of the Family Court Division of his ability to alter his lifestyle in order to gain access to his daughter.
Jono made some life changing decisions, one of which was to sign up for a Learn Direct Course (European Computer Driving Licence) supplied at Chumleigh Community College. Entering what was to him an "alien environment", and undertaking regular use of the public transport system ( a method of travel he was initially anxious about using). He undertook to attend college two days per week, resulting in a total of 148 HOURS of attendance. He has successfully completed this course and has been NOMINATED FOR THE LEARN DIRECT STUDENT OF THE YEAR (CHUMLEIGH COLLEGE) AWARD.
His increase in self confidence has also seen him join the Copplestone Camera Club, where he has established himself with some excellent photography in their exhibitions.
In return for the support CHAT were able to give him, and utilising the skills he has gained from the ECDL COURSE, Jono is doing some voluntary work for CHAT re-designing and updating their web-site.
His involvement and commitment to the learning course, his "adaptation" to community living, his increase in self esteem and self confidence have all proved invaluable in gathering the required "evidence" to satisfy the Family Court Division, and he now has regular access to his daughter.
Jono hopes to seek further qualifications which will equip him with the technical knowledge and confidence to support full time work, most probably self employed.
Jono is so grateful for the support that Meaningful Opportunities have given him to date. He is convinced that without it, he could well have slipped back into his old habits and lifestyle reducing his chances of the future he now has.
East Devon
KG applied to WorkWAYS through Rethink in Exmouth. He was totally lacking in confidence having suffered what he called a ‘breakdown’ 4 years ago. KG is a skilled Joiner and had his own business in East Devon, making many beautiful items of furniture and in particular a large spiral Ash stairway for a Manor House. He employed 2 people for his successful business. After KG became ill he lost his business and found it very difficult to concentrate on any form of work.
When Carey and Vicky met KG at Rethink he was willing to try some voluntary work working with wood. A visit was arranged to New Leaf Carpentry department where KG applied and was accepted as a volunteer worker, assisting John, the head of department, in supporting people making items with wood. After several months of volunteering, where KG gradually built up his stamina and confidence and with support and advice from WorkWAYS, he decided to join the Employment Skills accredited course being run at Rethink by PLUSS and assisted by Vicky. This he thoroughly enjoyed and he felt it was extremely useful. Whilst on this course and with support, KG applied to Exeter College to become a part time Technician in the Wood Working Department. At KG’s request Carey contacted his prospective employer informing them of WorkWAYS involvement and the support that KG could be given whilst working if he needed it.
KG started work in the Wood Working Department on 1st May 2007 and has a group of 14 year old students under his supervision. KG stated that he is enjoying the work and not finding 2 ½ days a week too strenuous, although ‘his’ students can be quite boisterous!
South Devon
Doug had heard about the Meaningful Opportunities from his CPN and Rethink. He has Bipolar and had disengaged in any activities and hadn’t worked since 1995 but had studied doing a Graphic design course in 2001.
We spent time getting to know each other and formed workable plan of action. We did a CV and used Adult Directions as a tool to ascertain what type of job Doug would like to do. We talked about realistic work options and the various provisions around. Doug received support from one of our Pluss Employment Consultants. Following on from this Doug went onto Work preparation for 13 weeks as a screen printer: he was successful in this. He also gained a level 2 Health & Safety in the workplace Award. On the 30th April 2007 he started 30 hours per week paid work under the Workstep programme using the skills he had developed.
Well done Doug !