After coming to Women & Work many of our clients are able to progress onto new career paths.
This could be through having entered further training, using existing skills in new ways.
Alternatively women go directly into employment
or via voluntary work which enables them to gain skills, confidence and experience.
Watch our latest video, developed by a volunteer, Brian Wright. Many thanks to Brian and to all who participated in and supported the development of this.
Click on the links below to read about some of our clients stories.
Gina's story
Like many women past, present and I am sure in the future. I have had many challenges and obstacles to overcome and am sure this is a work in progress, but I am getting there and I know where I'>m going.
Thank you, thank you, thank you Women and Work tutors, admin and helpers.
Like someone once said - Never have so many benefited from so few.
Read the full story
Brian's story
A nice new dress or a sharp suit cannot hope to disguise a gloomy disposition at an interview. There is a big difference between any old job and one which is meaningful to you. I think W&W understand these things- and it's why I believe your services are unique - and why you achieve repeated success.
Read the full story
Robina's story
However, by the end of the course I had landed myself the job I wanted and took away lifelong learning experience, which I hope I won't need again.
I would like to thank women and work not only my advisers and trainers but the whole team without who I still would be looking for job.
Read the full story
Janice's story
My main barrier to learning was my lack of confidence. I feel that I have gained more confidence by going on these courses and meeting people through Women & Work.
Read the full story
T Hale's story
I dreaded the world before Women and Work. I now feel I am positive again and the course has made me a stronger, wiser person who can recognise I am responsible for myself and my actions. I now know I can relax without falling apart. I can control my life and world. The choices are all mine! Life is good. I know reading this you will think it is not a real story. I did when I read the folder on my first day, but this is true. It is not made up, I am real and I am now positive.
Read the full story
Anonymous story
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.
Read the full story
Femi's story
I am ever so grateful to Avril at women at work who was incredibly helpful, while I feel completely let down by the employment issues, confused, and almost want to give up, she constantly email me to arrange to see her, setting up targets for me in various areas, from seeking a suitable employments, to acquire relevant modules that will prepare me for the desired profession.
Read the full story
Anonymous Testimony
Women and Work gave me the confidence and reassurance I needed to get back into the world of employment.
Read the full story
Genette's story
I have recently got a rare and much sort after thing.....a job.....yaay for me. I have now stopped doing a little jig when I tell people I have a job, but I have yet to conquer the Cheshire cat grin I get. What's important is I couldn't have done it without the support of the fantastic Women and Work organisation - and that's why I am here today.
Read the full story
Faria's story
Women and Work make you feel like you are a part of big family and I am honoured to be part of it. This organisation is not like college or university when you graduate you are on your own. It still attached to you and make sure you achieved your goal.
Read the full story
Darunee's story
When I came to see my adviser Sam at the drop-in in March I wanted help to get back to work and help with my CV. I also wanted to improve my written and spoken English and wanted advice about working for myself as was thinking about setting up a Thai food catering business. I was finding it difficult to get work because I am still learning English and employers don't always realise how much I can do, because of this.
Read the full story
Sandra's story
During my time with Women & Work, I got to know some of the team members and it was from them that I drew inspiration and motivation. In particular, the late Shameem Ali, who inspired me to consider teaching as a career and let me assist her on several courses to gain teaching experience; Vicky Jones, who enrolled me on my first teaching course with MK Adult Education (C&G 7407 Teaching Adult Learners Stage 1); Sue Sapwell, who was there at any time when I needed advice and guidance; Avril Francome, who taught me on the IPS course and helped me believe in myself.
Read the full story
Wendy's story
I must emphasise that through Women and Work and my own personal journey, I have found an aim that I feel is right for me. The point is that I could have decided on a completely different aim, maybe to become a retail manager, maybe to work in recruitment, I don't know. You may start off feeling washed up, frustrated and worthless but if you're willing to change that, and to be open, you can find out that life offers some surprising opportunities and that the support is there to work towards them.
Read the full story
Simone's story
Women & Work has changed my life and help me move forward. I have gained a lot of confidence and experience. The support and assistance I have received helps me remain focussed on my goals and I have made some good friends. I have been paired with a mentor through Women and Work which is also helping to focus my energies and bring more structure to my business planning.
Read the full story
Sabah's story
Women & Work is the great place for learning and socialising, with a great atmosphere. I've made a lot of friends and it has given me confidence. I received a lot of support and help from the staff and individuals.
The knowledge I gained from here will enable me to develop a very good relationship with my children and with others too.
Read the full story
Libby's story
I am a woman that wants to and will go out to work, with ability and enthusiasm.
It may have taken 15 years to find the right direction, but I got here in the end and it
could have taken another 15 years without Women and Work, and so I say thank you.
Long may your work continue!
Read the full story
Eve's story
I now feel I will be able to go back into the workplace with a more positive attitude, and confidence and my future will be so much more than I ever thought it could be.
Read the full story
Brenda's story
Women and Work gave me the confidence and reassurance I needed to get back into the world of employment.
Who knows, if I become tired of retirement Women and Work may find me knocking on their door again! I know I will find and warm welcome if I do.
Read the full story
Sue's story
During the time I've been with Women & Work whenever I've had a crisis of confidence, and I've had a few, the empathy and support from Staff and other Delegates have been fantastic. A client summed up Women & Work for me this week, after coming to see us on Monday and taking away the guidance pack. She came back Thursday and asked to go on the Fresh Start course. That was what Women & Work was for me and is for hundreds of other Women a FRESH START Read the full story
Jenny's story
'The only way is up' is the phrase I will be carrying with me from now on. Women & Work inspire individuals to realise their full potential which can be a great personal revelation. Although my personal journey that I am still taking can be quite scary and out of my 'comfort zone', I know that I can turn to the friends and staff at Women & Work for support and guidance.
Read the full story
Sue's story
You boosted my confidence at a time when I really needed it. The world of work is not a level playing field for women, especially mothers and more especially single mothers, and I think the service you provide is invaluable. I looked everywhere for guidance and there is no one else out there that is specifically geared towards mothers returning to work, or changing careers mid-life. Read the full story
Masako's story
‘A drowning man will clutch at a straw’ I attended several courses at Women & Work that my friend kindly offered me. That was my first step to new life. Women & Work helped me to change a way of thinking and attitude. All the people I met in the course supported each other, even now. I have valuable tools in my mind. Thanks to Women & Work giving me a real focus change.
Read the full story
Naoko's story
The Interpersonal Skill course was especially good to reflect my past and think of my future. Until then I had felt guilty and stressed for not getting a proper paid work. This course gave me courage to accept myself and to do what I like.
Read the full story
Penny's story
I found the Return to Paid Work course the most useful. Doing the course made me realise just how many skills I had developed as a homemaker, and how many of those skills are transferable to the workplace.
Read the full story
Rosa's story
I was very scared and worried that I would not be able to do much and I had no confidence in myself or what I would be able to do. All I knew was that I wanted to do something with computers. So after a long chat with you about what my options were you enrolled me onto you're Introduction to computers course.
At first I was so scared I nearly didn't go but I forced myself and it turned out to be the best choice I made.
Read the full story
Neelima's story
Women & Work helped me increase my confidence and get all the information I needed at the time I needed it, so I was finally able to make my decision in August 2005 and start a small retail business from home.
Read the full story
Sheila's story
The Introduction to Inter Personal Skills Course, which followed, gave me sound training for good communication skills not only in the workplace, with colleagues and customer care, but also in other areas of my life. With each course, I felt more empowered and my confidence grew.
Read the full story
Tracey's story
I cannot thank you enough for the help and assistance you have given me since I first walked through your doors. I do believe that without your help and guidance I probably would not be in the position that I am in now. You helped me gain back some of my self esteem which in turn raised my confidence, you helped me recognise that I do have a lot to offer a future employer, that anything I wanted to do was possible, that my future was in my hands and what I wanted wasn't going to magically land in my lap one day, but above all you made me Believe In Myself!
Read the full story
Judy's story
With the provision of expert teaching, compassion, and much encouragement, I gradually 'came out of my shell' and rediscovered who I was, and what I had to offer. I was learning to make decisions again, and take responsibility for my choices - indeed, to lose the fear of 'the world out there'. I was moving beyond my 'comfort zone' once more!
Read the full story
Lilleth's story
The support I received from Women and Work, through their courses and constant one-to-ones, meant that going back to my ‘safe haven’ wasn't an option. The more support and praise I received the more I wanted to please. Eventually the confidence kicked in and, without realising, I breezed through the latest interview. At last I'd done it, secured myself a good position with the NHS. ‘Eureka’.
Read the full story
Jackie's story
I cannot remember how I came to find out about the Women and Work Group, but I started going to the drop-in sessions at Acorn House, which was just what I needed to boost my moral. It was ideal, as you could take your children with you to leave in their free crèche. I started to build up confidence and look forward to meeting the other women doing the same thing as me.
Read the full story
Sammy's story
The change it had on my life? I have so much confidence, friends and family have noticed how much more positive I am in my outlook. I can talk to people without feeling all those knots in my stomach! I have gone on to do other courses, again with Women & Work.
Read the full story
Ambika's story
I'm an ESOL Tutor and I have been teaching for 8/9 years since I trained with Women and Work 14 day training course with placement schemes. It was really very useful and focussed my thoughts that teaching certainly was something I would love to do.
Read the full story
Nina's story
I now know that the way I was, was going to destroy me and my family. I wanted to change my life, but having being out of the work force for many years, and with having old and rusty skills, I just didn't know where to start. Since having made contact with MK W&W, the group has been a life saver to me.
Read the full story
Anon's story
I attended a course with Women and Work many years ago, which supported me to pursue my ambitions and provided a crèche for my child. The course helped to build my confidence and self-esteem and I began to develop some self-worth. I realised I was not alone and that many other women were in similar situations, also wanting to follow their dreams, but too just needed a little guidance, support and belief in themselves.
Read the full story
