A group in St Ann’s that aims to give people a ‘second chance’ has spoken out about how they’re helping communities. Whether you’ve come out of prison, are looking for a career change or are a refugee, the group helps many people in various circumstances.
At the St Ann’s Valley Centre for the next 6 weeks, the equipped2succeed programme will be running every Tuesday 10AM-1PM. The operation has been delivering workshops, well-being sessions and more in the community since 2014.
Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), the programme helps people aged 16-24 and 19+ who aren’t in education , training or employment. George Bacon is the business development manager for the programme.
George spoke about how the well-being sessions help others. He said: “This is about giving people the best chance over their circumstances, you can have all the opportunities in the world, some less than others so how do you even that playing field?
“Getting people here is one of our biggest challenges, we’re not driven by taking people through the programme, them getting a job and then ticking a box, it’s more than that because success can be them getting out of bed.”
The programme gives adults and young people skills to develop their own toolkit. This includes: taking responsibility, being positive, passionate, managing stress, managing relationships, setting goals and more.
The courses run all over Nottingham including at the Bakersfield community centre and in The Meadows . George continued: “For 8 years, we’ve been trying to remove barriers and our attention rate is incredible. We pay travel expenses for people and have creches so childcare isn’t a barrier.
“We’ve had someone who was once in prison as a young person who came out and found the course, since then, they’ve never reoffended and they said it’s changed their life. About 90% of our staff were participants too so they can relate to many of the people on the course.”
In 2022, equipped2succeed helped and supported over 350 people.
35-year-old Charell Ball has been on one of the organisation's programmes before in 2018. After struggling with low self esteem and confidence, she spoke about how equipped2succeed has helped her. She said: “One of the confidence building sessions had really empowered me to find my confidence. At the time, I had very, very low confidence.
“Throughout the programme, I’ve gained belief and self esteem. I’m now able to connect with other people who are the same.”
The course has inspired Charell to become a mentor herself to help others. Before the course, this isn’t something she would have dreamed of doing.
Charell continued: “Now being here and continuing to do more programmes on how to manage day-to-day reinforces the skills that I learnt before. I’m all about breaking barriers and the course has broadened my horizons.”
George Bacon continued: “We support a lot of Muslim women who might not have felt comfortable working with men or non-Muslim people who may not have been able to relate to them so we have Muslim facilitators and just try and help dozens of people every week.”
READ NEXT:
Nottingham community cafe offering food boxes to those in need
The 'underrated' Nottinghamshire market town which people adore
Anger over 'incompetence' as neighbours will not be able to park outside homes due to water scheme
Family-friendly Nottingham climbing centre reopens after £100,000 investment
Glamour, great food and friendly service but Nottingham restaurant left us cold
