A mother-of-five has been given a new lease of life after taking part in a ground-breaking back-to-work initiative.
After feeling depressed and withdrawn, single mum Sharon Sadler has seen her self-confidence soar and is now looking forward to seeking full-time employment.
Sharon, 42, from Chester Avenue, Kinmel Bay, was one of four students to complete a pioneering Gateway course involving partners Cartrefi Conwy, Crest Co-operative and Conwy Voluntary Services Council.
The aim of the 12-week project is to get people back into the world of work by boosting their self-esteem and providing skills for life.
It is targeted not only those who have been out of work for long periods, such as mothers who have had to look after children, but also those who have never been in full-time employment.
Cartrefi Conwy, which in 2008 took over responsibility for housing from the County Borough Council, agreed to become active partners in the scheme to provide an extra service to tenants aged 18 – 65.
To take part tenants had to commit themselves to four-and-a-half hours on one day a week throughout the 12 weeks. Four groups of nine tenants will participate over 12 months.
The majority of the programme is centred on real work scenarios and takes place at Crest Co-operative’s head office and retail premises in Llandudno Junction. It also includes a module on healthy living.
Sharon was among the first four to complete the course, the others being Vicky Downey, a mother-of-three, also from Chester Avenue, Kinmel Bay, Kathy McNicholas from Llandudno, and former hotel worker Ian Davies, also of Llandudno.
Sharon, who has two grown-up children, and three others aged eight, 13 and 14 still at home, worked for about four years as a sessional worker with National Children’s Homes (NCH) in Belgrano and has also filled a variety of volunteering roles in the area. Like Vicky, she is involved with the Green Fingers project on the Chester Avenue estate.
“But it’s very difficult being a single mum and I became depressed and withdrawn,” she said.
“When I heard about this Gateway Project I decided to apply to try and prepare myself for getting a job and it’s done wonders for my self-confidence. It’s given me a completely fresh outlook,” she said.
Ian, too, was delighted he grasped the opportunity to go on the course, which he saw advertised in Cartrefi Conwy’s Llandudno office. He had been out of work since September, 2010.
“When you’re out of work for a long time your self-confidence takes a knock and the course has helped me regain that. I am more optimistic now than I was before,” he commented.
The Gateway course has had the same beneficial effect on Kathy, who has six children aged 12-16 and nine grandchildren.
Many years ago she worked as a waitress and in a care home, but as well as bringing up her children she has suffered health problems. She learned of the Gateway Project through her involvement with the King’s Road Tenants’ Group of which she is treasurer.
“I have been down in the dumps but I have more confidence now, and have already done some work for Crest as a volunteer,” she said.
Andrew Bowden, the Chief Executive, is delighted at the success of the Gateway project and the positive impact it’s had on the lives of the participants.
Mr Bowden said: “Our aim is to help tenants increase their confidence and provide practical skills that will stand them in good stead when they are looking for work.
“This is a great project and the enthusiasm shown by those who have been taking part is testament to its effectiveness in improving their confidence and self esteem.”
Jeff Warren, Assistant Director of Crest Co-operative, presented certificates to all four and congratulated them on their achievement and dedication.
“Apart from carrying out the work involved they did well to complete the programme, which in itself is an achievement when one has been out of work for so long. They should be very proud of what they have done,” he said.
Mr Warren said it would have been very difficult to have arranged such a programme without Cartrefi Conwy being involved as partners.
