Building Futures – A New Term Begins!
It’s also a new term time at Bolster Community, with the new Building Futures programme kicking off again this September – and we want to make sure as many women as possible know about these latest opportunities, all fully funded and on your doorstep!! If you are currently not in work but feel that the time is right to consider your options or would like to formulate a plan for yourself… then read on! Please note that eligibility criteria applies, see end of page.*
Our Building Futures (BFs) programme has been developed for women (by women), who are looking at a fresh start and are thinking about eventually returning to work – they are the mums who have been busy raising a family, the daughters who have had caring duties, or those who have needed time out for any myriad of reasons – but now have a little time to refocus on themselves. We like to think of it as your starting point to getting your mojo back and putting yourself first (for a change!) – best of all, you don’t have to figure out ‘what next’ on your own, we’re here to help.
The BF’s programme from Bolster Community has been designed in conjunction with partners WOMENSTEC and Women in Business N.I. – and there are many interesting options for women to consider.
Our popular 6-wk Self-Development course ‘Discovering Potential’ is back again and a great place to start if you would like to build your confidence and explore options for a new start. Designed and delivered by Bolster’s very own Tracy McCartney, the programme is designed to help women explore their full potential by cultivating well-being, embracing mindfulness and much more.
Our 10-wk ‘Classroom Assistant’ course is also back and has proved extremely successful. From our last Newry group in May/June this year, a number of women have now secured jobs as teaching assistants in local schools or have decided to continue with further study (the costs of which we have been able to help with thanks to available BF’s bursaries). This particular course also includes an OCN in employability and Paediatric First Aid, as well as covering CV prep and mock interviews – so by the end, participants will be more than ready to apply for teaching assistant roles if they choose to pursue that path.
‘Mentoring’, ‘Social Media Training’ (with Women in Business), DIY course options (with WOMENSTEC) and half day workshops are also part of the programme.
We spoke to Bolster’s Tracy McCartney to find out a little more and why women should consider joining us this September!
Tracy, who is this programme for? This programme is largely for women who are at a crossroads or need a fresh start, importantly it is for women who are not currently working… maybe their children are up a bit now and they are thinking about looking at work/options, and unsure what to do or where to start. In the courses we have run so far, we have women in their 20’s right through to their early 60s. We welcome all women who meet the criteria and are ready to embrace their full potential, uplift and empower one another. We can honestly say, you won’t regret it!
Tracy & Justina – Building Future’s programme leads at Bolster Community.
What would you say to any women who may be sitting on the fence and unsure about whether they should sign up? Please give us a call! Let’s talk through your options and find a starting point that suits you. Our self-development course has proved an excellent way to begin, and feedback to date has shown real value in the programme and has already helped women gain in confidence and kick start a new direction or new job!
We have been running the programme for almost a year now… what have been some of the highlights so far? We’ve met incredible women of all ages. We’ve had over 200 participants come through our NM&D BF programme and it has been a real honour to get to know and support each and everyone. It has been very rewarding to see each women’s journey especially to see them grow in confidence, embrace new opportunities and start new jobs!! We couldn’t ask for more. Here are just a couple of examples of the messages we have received from some of the women who have taken part…
“I came across the Building Futures programme in Bolster community by accident, but it changed by life! I’m 47 years old, and as a result of surgery, I have been left with nerve damage and chronic pain. I had to give up work this just totally destroyed me. I had no purpose and no structure, I was lost. Then I saw the advert for the classroom assistant course and thought it would give me an insight into the job. This course has been brilliant… I now have a focus, I feel I’m getting some control back. This Building Futures Programme has brought light back into my life and a new career path. I will be forever grateful to the team at Bolster Community and the Building Futures Programme.” (Newry Classroom Assistant Group).
“I just thought I would let you know that I had a job interview last week for a classroom assistant… The interview went well and I got lovely feedback… I’m delighted to say that I was offered a job, 22.5 hours per week, 1-1 position with a wee boy. Naturally I accepted and I’m looking forward to starting with them later this month (August). None of this would have been possible for me if I had not attended this course as I didn’t have the skills or confidence to face an interview so for this, I thank yourself, Justina & Lisa.” (Ballynahinch Classroom Assistant Group).
“…Bolster and in particular, the Building Futures programme, opened up a new way of life for me. It all started with the Discovering Potential – a group of women in a similar position all coming together with a shared purpose. To say it was daunting for me was an understatement! But we gelled, we laughed and we cried but most importantly we learned that it was not the end – that we all had the potential to go further. One of the facilitators recognised something in each one of us and pointed us in a new and different direction… I am now a transformed woman, having learned many new skills with this brilliant group of women, gained an OCN and sorted out many an everyday women’s problem! A brilliant programme.” (Building Futures participant, Newry)
Tracy, if the jury is still out for any readers, any final encouragement? Please reach out! Do something for you! it’s an opportunity as women we don’t always get. Through Building Futures, you will automatically become part of a new support network, we’ll help you work out your priorities and you’ll be able to plan ahead with newfound confidence. Take a chance and don’t let an opportunity like this pass you by! Myself and Justina look forward to chatting with you!
To look at the programme options on offer this Sept/Oct, please visit: Building Futures – Bolster Community and please contact TRACY OR JUSTINA, at BOLSTER COMMUNITY ON 028 3083 5764 for any further information or queries that you might have.
*Please note, the Building Future’s programme and Time for Me event is for women who are 18+, currently not working (or on benefits with a job search requirement) and residing in Newry, Mourne & Down.