Anonymous Story

I joined the Restore project at MK Women & Work Group to undertake the Interpersonal Skills course in the spring of 2010, having been out of paid work for over 17 years.

At this time, I was painfully shy and found people quite scary and intimidating. The IPS course helped me to connect with others and begin to overcome my fears. I have suffered with depression for a number of years and am seriously disadvantaged in the employment market due to being outside it for so long.

Thanks to Women & Work, I have not only increased my confidence, but I have achieved OCN level 2 accreditation in Interpersonal Skills. With their support, I am now doing voluntary work within the organisation, giving Learner Support to others on the subsequent Interpersonal Skills courses.

This is helping me to ease back into the workplace environment and giving me vital experience as a supporter of learning.

I feel that I am just a short way into my journey and that with continued support I can move forwards and begin earning in the future. I hope to continue volunteering with the group as this gives me a sense of identity and achievement which my life has previously lacked.