YMCA initiative helps Peterborough parents get back to work

Last month YMCA Trinity Group saw a group of eight motivated single parents begin a four-week ‘Launchpad’ programme, with the aim of helping them get back into work to give themselves and their families a better life. Launchpad had some fantastic results with two participants receiving a job offer in the final week of the programme.

Funded by DWP, YMCA delivered an intense four-week programme with the aim of boosting the individuals’ confidence, enhance their skills and prepare them for re-entering working life. Eight women were referred to the Launchpad programme by Peterborough Job Centre.

Hannah Dalgarno, course leader of Launchpad and Access to Employment Manager at YMCA Trinity Group said: “It was extremely rewarding to see everyone gain confidence, grow as individuals and apply the knowledge they had learned to real life situations. I myself know how challenging it can be to balance the duties of being a single parent and working life, and this experience has taught me a few things too!”

“All of the women worked really hard throughout the course of the programme and left feeling inspired and motivated. In the final week we also received some fantastic news that two of the participants had received a job offer, which exceeded my expectations of the project!”

Through the programme, YMCA helped the single parents to create new CVs, complete job applications and prepare for interviews. The charity also focused on the healthy side of living, arranging visits from a Tai Chi coach, Hypnotherapist, Healthy Peterborough and also hosting an afternoon of researching and sharing healthy food recipes. A Dress for Success workshop was also organised, which included beauty treatments at the Peterborough Regional College and a small budget to buy something appropriate for a speed interview event that was also arranged. The aim of this was to allow the group to feel as confident as possible for their interviews, which certainly worked!

The Launchpad project was designed to accommodate the needs of the parents taking place during school hours from Tuesday to Friday between 10am-2pm.

YMCA Trinity Group will be running a second programme in September 2019. For anyone wishing to take part, please speak to your Work Coach at the Job Centre.