ESF 2007-2010 South East Region

Case Studies

The Co-Funding Organisations encourage their providers to submit examples of their successes and achievements, and those of their learners, using their case study template*.

*No case studies will be placed on our website without the prior consent and permission of the learner and the provider.

Tegan's Adult Learners' Week Award Tegan has been homeless for three years, ‘sofa surfing’ at friends’ houses and for several months sleeping rough on a park bench. Her valiant efforts to turn her life around through education have culminated in her winning the ESF South East Regional Award at Adult Learners' Week 2011.

Restore The Restore SO1 Project- Learning as a stepping stone to employment-specialist provision shows success with very different participant groups. The SO1 project supported by the Skills Funding Agency ESF programme makes the link between aspiration and employment through tailored learning programmes.

Redundancy prompts a career change Redundancy can spark new opportunities. The downturn in manufacturing was bad news for Lynn Harris in Havant who lost her job as a supervisor at a local factory after five years. With few vacancies to apply for in production, she needed to think about changing career.

Genette's Nomination for an Adult Learner's Week Award Genette has been put forward by Women and Work as a candidate for an Adult Learners' Week Award. You can read about this in Genette's own words here.

Hangleton & Knoll Learning and Development Project The Hangleton and Knoll Information Technology (HaKIT) computer training project is supported through the Skills Funding Agency's ESF programme, receiving funding through the Community Grants fund to engage Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) women in learning to support community engagement, and improve the skills and employability of BME residents in the Hangleton & Knoll area of Brighton.

More Case Studies are available on the ESF Works Website including: g the KS4 Pre-Engagement Programme g DV8 g Headstart2Work g Finding Futures

Faria and Women and Work Faria joined Women and Work because although she had achieved qualifications toward her future career she did not know how to go about getting a job. Read Faria's story in her own words here.

Janice and Women and Work Janice joined Women and Work because she wanted a part-time job once her son had started school. Read Janice's story in her own words here.

Sara with Women and Work Sara came to the UK in 2008 looking for employment, where she then joined Women and Work. Read Sara's story here in her own words.

Wendy's Story Wendy joined the ROW Project run by Women and Work after being her employment ended in May 2009. Since signing up, Women and Work have helped her realise and achieve her employment goals, and changed her view on work forever.

Drama Lab (Bloomin’ Arts) BLOOMIN’ARTS is a Performance Arts Company for adults with learning disabilities in East Surrey. Using a community grant provided by Surrey Community Action, BLOOMIN’ARTS set out to develop a platform for learners to show their talents.

YWCA West Kent Education and Skills for Young Women YWCA West Kent delivered a women-only ESF project successfully helped young NEET women to become learning ready by addressing barriers to learning, providing one to one holistic support, and supporting them to gain literacy and numeracy qualifications.

An Inspiring Story from Reuben Reuben was involved in a hit and run car accident, that left him suffering a severe traumatic brain injury, and with cognitive and physical difficulties, particularly with vision. He commenced rehabilitation at the QEF Brain Injury Centre in May 2008.

Emma's Story Emma feared she would be unable to continue her Apprenticeship qualification when she was made redundant from her job. Then her NVQ assessor suggested she continue her employment on the Redeployment Support Programme at Mid Kent College.

Nadine's Story Nadine wanted a career where she felt genuinely content, rewarded, and had a clear vision to develop herself further, so she applied to take an NVQ Level 2 in the Childcare programme “Southern Stars” being run by Mapalim.

Dave's Story David joined the Coachability programme run by Dering Employment Ltd because he wanted to learn something new within a social environment where he could meet new people. He suffers from Multiple Sclerosis, a condition which has caused him to become permanently confined to a wheelchair.

Saana's Story Saana graduated university at 21 with a degree in Psychology, but decided that she really wanted to work with children as a primary school teacher.

Bob's Story Having worked for 15 years in the Brixton Police Force, Bob joined the Response to Redundancy course because he wanted help changing career to become a door supervisor, and help to find work.

Aron's Story Aron was referred to opt-IN with a record of poor attendance that had resulted in being signed up to a pre-foundation course for learning/behavioural reasons. His lack of engagement and attendance was partly due to his application for a Motor Mechanics course being refused.

Luke's Story Luke joined the Response to Redundancy programme to obtain a CSCS card and improve his chances of finding work. He already had a basic knowledge of Health and Safety, but without a CSCS card he felt unable to apply for the roles he wanted to.

Nacro's ESF Projects NACRO have secured £3 million of European Social Fund money between October 2008 and December 2010.  The money is funding two projects called Switch On and the TIE Programme which provide training and mentoring based around the needs of the individual learner.

Daryl's Story Daryl was referred to opt-IN whilst on a 5 month Detention Training Order for GBH. He had left education with no qualifications, having failed to engage at any of the schools he had been moved between because of his behavioural problems.

Beverley's Story Beverley was working for Parlex Europe Limited for nineteen and a half years, until in November 2009 she was entered into a period of consultation with 15 other members of staff. She had the idea of becoming a self-employed child minder, but her dyslexia meant she needed help with the paperwork.

A Story from Josh Josh was referred to the opt-IN programme with diagnosed dyslexia and ADHD. He also had incredibly low literacy levels, which were the reason behind the majority of his behavioural issues in previous education.

An inspirational story from David Although David held a bachelors degree in Chemistry, he wanted some qualifications that would help him to give advice and guidance. He had spent time volunteering as a citizen advocate, and wanted to further this type of work helping people.

Caroline's Story Caroline's IT skills needed refreshing, along with a boost in her self-confidence. She had no Level 2 qualifications in literacy or numeracy, and needed training to fit around her family.

A Story from Ross In spring 2009, Ross Chesworth was referred to Surrey Care Trust by his Offender Manager from Redhill Probation Centre. He joined their 'Learning as a stepping stone to employment' project, hoping it would help him to overcome the disappointment he felt in himself after losing his job and being made homeless.

ALPS help Rachel's learning go swimmingly Rachel joined the Skills R Us programme run by ALPS because she wanted to further her qualifications in the swimming teaching field.

Becky's Story Becky was born disabled and with learning difficulties. She was adopted as a child in Hong Kong, but her family relocated to London when she was 19, and she found it difficult to adjust to the culture.

Kevin's Story Kevin had spent years working at the same electrical wholesale company, working his way up to his position as Manger of their Folkestone branch, when he was made redundant.

Suzanne's Story Susanne joined the Response to Redundancy programme after being made redundant from her job as Business Support Assistant/Clerical Assistant at Debenhams of Canterbury.

A Story from Emelye Emelye completed an Employability course with East Kent ITeC Ltd after being made redundant from the Churchill Tavern in late February 2009.

Shawn's Story Shawn was made redundant from managing the shop front of a motorcycle dealership in Margate, after working there for 11 years. Before this, Shawn had never been unemployed.

Albion in the Community Albion in the Community is the charitable arm of Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club. They employ their own staff to deliver the project, and current and ex professional players are employed as Mentors to support the learners throughout the process.

Verity's Story Verity joined the ESF project run by Ability Professional Training as one of the mandatory training requirements of the CRC to become qualified to work in the care sector.

Jayme's Story Jayme joined the SO2 project run by Nacro because her behaviour in class was not at an acceptable level. Her attendance at school was less than 50% and her grades were very low. She needed to learn how to control her anger and deal with difficult situations without shouting and displaying attitude.

Course improves career prospects A training course run by Careers Enterprise has given a helping hand to a group of parents in Maidstone to get on the job ladder.

Albion help Adam tackle self-esteem issues As a full-time father to his 3 sons, Adam had been busy raising his family, but was conscious of the need to find employment in order to continue being a good role model to his boys.

Karen's Story Karen joined the Response to Redundancy (R2R) programme run by TBG Learning, after she was made redundant from Lloyd’s Insurance in London where she had worked as an Administrative Technician.

Lee's Story Lee had always been a huge Brighton and Hove Albion supporter- he even called his son Albion! He heard about Personal Best through his Probation Officer, and realised it was the chance he had been waiting for.

Ben's Story Ben was invited to take part in TNG's Speed recruitment event, and decided to take them up on opportunity to attend the event and meet employers.

James's Story James was first referred to the Reach Out programme when he was on New Deal Gateway and following an assessment by the Work Psychologist was diagnosed as having Asperger’s Syndrome.

Keith's Story Keith joined the Response to Redundancy 3-day programme run by TBG after he was made redundant from his job as manager of a cleaning company.

Martin's Story Martin has worked for many years in the construction industry operating various types of heavy equipment. Due to the dust inhaled over this time he has a damaged respiratory system and is now unable to work in his former profession due to the sensitivity and highly damaging effects of the dust.

Jane's Story Jane was referred to Reach Out from Guinness Care Floating Support Team. She had been on JSA over six months and had multiple barriers to progression including; literacy needs; low self esteem and confidence as well as being a victim of domestic violence.

Nacro help Lisa to learn Lisa was referred to Nacro by Connexions in Sittingbourne, Kent, when her parents withdrew her from the school as they felt she was being bullied. She suffers from dyslexia, and has problems with numeracy and literacy, which means she needs extra support with her studies.

Back in the job market after 30 years Redundancy after 30 years in the print industry left Colin needing to learn job seeking skills for the first time. He discovered the world of work had changed a great deal over the decades. A support programme in Milton Keynes designed to help women get back to work proved to be just the job.

Looking ahead to an exciting future Josh from Eastbourne is looking forward to starting college to embark on a performing arts course. Yet, only months before he had been wasting his days in heavy drinking with friends and causing trouble.

Caroline's Story Caroline Whittle from the Isle of Wight is now a confident young businesswoman after overcoming illness and unemployment – thanks to support from Learning Links and an innovative programme led by Prevista and funded by the European Social Fund through the regional development agency SEEDA.

Embarking on a new career in electronic engineering When Dave Fox from Buckinghamshire decided to move on from manual labour to a challenging job in electronic engineering, he knew he needed to get qualified.

A stylish way to succeed in business Businessman John Barker is now in the fast lane, selling his unique range of bespoke gentlemen’s jackets at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Yet, before he found Learning Links on the Isle of Wight, he was struggling in first gear.

Overcoming disability to help others Karen Harris from West Sussex feared she may never work again after two years of unemployment caused by her worsening disability. A serious digestive disorder and painful neck problems combined to make it very difficult for her to hold down a conventional job.

New opportunities for a teenager facing exclusion Teenager Lisa from Gosport had problems with school. She felt angry and isolated, frequently played truant and was facing permanent exclusion. Although she was interested in a career in childcare, her chances of success looked slight.

Winds of change for Laura Laura Griffiths has turned redundancy into an opportunity to train for a new career which will see her travelling the world on luxury yachts.... thanks to a recession-busting initiative from the Learning and Skills Council and the European Social Fund.

First steps to getting a job One-to-one support and advice is vital to help disabled and disadvantaged people, ex-offenders and the long term unemployed to seize new opportunities and work towards getting a job. Portsmouth Craft & Manufacturing Industries, part of the City Council, has been working for 25 years to make a difference for people in south east Hampshire.

Marley's Story Marley suffers from dyslexia, a condition which often caused his behaviour to appear disruptive or aggressive in the classroom. He was finding himself easily distracted in class, and was on a part-time timetable at school. His was sometimes rude to the teachers, and underachieving in his studies.

An Inspiring Story from Jade Jade contacted Sussex Downs College during a stage in her life where she was desperate to make a change. She had been fired from her job, was not attending college, and lacked focus to her daily life; causing her confidence and self-esteem plummeted.

Chelsie and Nacro Chelsie had been out of school for four months when she was referred to Nacro. She had attended school up until Easter, and wanted to continue her education outside of the school environment. Lacking in self-confidence, Chelsie initially struggled to fit it with a new group, but learnt how to build trusting relationships with her tutors and her peers.

Craig Opts In Craig has epilepsy, and Type 1 diabetes which need medicating daily and monitoring. He was placed in foster care after his mother felt she could no longer care or take responsibility for him due to his needs. Craig was referred to the Opt-IN programme run by Sussex Downs College in January 2009 by Children’s Services.

Jamie and Learning Links Jamie had a history of truancy and exclusion, emotional and mental health issues leading to poor perception of himself and others, and a history of offending behaviour. He was identified as a risk of becoming NEET, and referred to Learning Links.

Nick's response to redundancy Nick had been employed as an Export Manager with a successful local Brewery and his redundancy after 10 years in a senior position came as an unexpected blow in May 2009.

Vaughn renews his enthusiasm for learning When Vaughn Wiles decided he wanted a career change, it led him to learn a whole new set of technical skills, and set up his own business.

Learning Links help Lloyd achieve his goal Lloyd had been withdrawn from school to be home educated, but felt unmotivated toward his studies, leading his mother to be concerned he was at risk of becoming NEET. She contacted Learning Links on Lloyd's behalf to help him with his future.

Shannan's Story Shannan is a Gypsy Roma Traveller. She decided to gain some qualifications to help her progress into college, and was directed into the Key Stage 4 Pre-Engagement Programme run by Brighton and Hove City Council and East Sussex County Council.

Luke's Story Having spent four years in hospital with mental health problems, Luke decided to take back control of his life and do something positive with it.

Janet's Story Janet was unemployed for 15 years whilst she was a full-time mother. Once her children were old enough she wanted to return to work but didn’t have the confidence or the qualifications to do so, or any idea of the career she wanted to pursue.

Surrey Care Trust - Changing Lives From the outset of the delivery period in June 2008, the FACE (Family and Community Education Programme) – a programme of The Surrey Care Trust – was in an excellent position to provide a seamless provision to learners through partnership organisations with whom a working relationship had been established through the previous LSC/ESF funded contract.

Set to help Lydia achieve her targets Lydia had previously undertaken learning with Springfield Education and Training, having already completed her Level 2 Child Care Learning & Development qualification under their guidance. She decided to progress onto her Level 3, which she completed with great success.

Working Links help Holly start a new chapter Holly was born with learning disabilities, some autism/Asperger’s, and signs of dyscalculia (a learning disability involving difficulty in learning or comprehending mathematics). She has Level 1 literacy. Having previously worked as a packer and porter for Morrisons in Croydon, Holly found it difficult to find similar work after moving to Hastings. Lack of work in the area left Holly feeling isolated, lonely and reduced her confidence.

Josie's Story Josie initially approached Women and Work in order to improve her confidence and self esteem, as she had been out of work for some time and she was fairly new to Milton Keynes. Her learning needs were lack of confidence in communicating and interpersonal skills.

A Therapeutic Education Nikki was isolated and bored at home and so decided to try looking for learning opportunities which would give her new skills eventually to enable her to return to work. She lacked direction, had no skills base to build on, and was uncertain as to what opportunities were open for her, but showed enthusiasm for the new possibilities suggested by her Development Worker and tutors.

Women and Work Reaches Older Workers Milton Keynes-based organisation Woman And Work use their Reaching Older Workers (ROW) programme to help women over 50 to retrain, refresh skills, and return to work. Eve was one of these women, and you can read her story here in her own words.

Nacro help George find the art of learning George was not in education, training or employment and did not have a direction or the motivation to really try to plan his future or even the next steps. He wanted to learn new skills but he did not know how to access opportunities or have the confidence to seek help.

Too old to retrain? Computer says No. Sue had spent years working in the social care sector, and wanted an opportunity to try something new. Within the current market she knew her best opportunity of finding a new job would be increasing her number of high-demand skills, including Information Technology (IT), and job searching skills to help her find her perfect job.

Confidence boost helps a young woman get back to school Charlotte had a 3% attendance rate last term. This was due to anxiety attacks she had over travelling to school and being in school. Charlotte could not travel into school on her own as she suffered panic attacks on public transport and walking alone. She therefore relied on friends and family to accompany her to school.

Overcoming a criminal record and getting back to work Tom had worked as a self employed builder for about 7 years. After recently finishing a prison sentence, he wanted to upgrade his skills in the trade and go back to work as quickly as possible. He had been referred by Jobcentre Plus so that he could gain the support he needed to apply for a position with the Child Support Agency.

Young People ‘Switch On’ Bill had not been attending school or any vocational programmes since September 2008. Since attending the Nacro Switch On programme he has begun a part-time time table with a view to extending it over the next month. He has also met with his mentor to work on ICT and engaged with the youth crime prevention team and taken part in out of school activities with them.

Minister for Disabled People visits South East ESF Provider Jonathan Shaw, the Minister for Disabled People, visits Dering Employment Services Ltd to witness first hand how ESF funding is helping deaf people into jobs.