Sue’s first visit to the centre was an extremely traumatic experience for her as she had not ventured out of the house for a very long time, mainly due to confidence and low self esteem issues.
However, from the moment the door was answered to a trembling Sue, she was made to feel welcome and at ease which was a major hurdle for Sue, as she did not know what to expect from an organisation that was not familiar to her. As soon as Sue was engaged in conversation it was obvious what a lovely lady she was and that she needed to be guided in the right direction to show her self worth to enable her to progress to her full potential.
At Sue’s initial appointment I fully explained the support and guidance we could offer from Pathways. Working together to compile an action plan to set clear achievable targets, we discussed her confidence and self esteem issues and decided that it would be of great benefit for her to attend our Directions course; she was really excited about the prospect of attending a short supported course which could assist her in her personal development. We also discussed ongoing occupational support available to maintain the consistency of tackling health related and personal obstacles. Again, Sue was keen to undertake this invaluable service.
Sue began to attend the centre every week for regular reviews and support and at each session her confidence slowly improved. Her employment background was exclusively in the Retail Sector. However she really wanted to return to her initial career path, a role within the Administration environment, such as receptionist.
Sue lacked experience in computer skills, this affected her confidence greatly and we sat together and worked out a plan to support her fully. We held short basic computer sessions in the centre and I helped her to set up her own email account which then led to Sue having enough confidence to put together her own CV with support and guidance from myself this in it’s self was a huge achievement for her and I felt like a proud mother!
As Sue’s confidence continued to grow with the support from the Occupational support and the Directions course she attended (and of course myself)! We began to carry out more in-depth job search within the administration sector on a local scale.
Through regular attendance to our Job Club a local administration vacancy was advertised in the Western mail which seemed to match Sue’s skills and personality. We completed the application form together and held interview workshops to help prepare her for a possible interview.
Sue was short listed for the administration position but was unfortunately not successful this time. We discussed her performance at the interview and reflected on areas where she could make some improvements, however as we are all aware nerves sometimes get the better of you.
An Administration/Reception position soon became available within Pathways to Work Barry Office of which we knew Sue had to apply for. We knew she had the necessary skills, empathy and understanding of our customer group and would be able to sympathise with people who have been in the same predicament as her.
We thoroughly prepared Sue for the interview with Pathways. This had to be in-depth due to Sue not undertaking an interview for many years. I prepared by explaining the content of an interview to include proving her competence of delivering excellent customer service, using evidence from past experiences. She had her interview and we met afterwards to discuss how she thought it had gone. She was really nervous, but, she did think she put in a good performance- Boy was she right!
Sue was offered full time Administration reception at Barry Pathways Flagship office- What an asset she is to our team!
We have received continuous feedback from customers on what a friendly, courteous
and welcoming person she is. Never failing to assist customers and other members of staff in any capacity! Her confidence has soared through the roof, she always presents with a huge smile and her happiness is displayed always.
Sunday, 21 December 2008
Monday, 17 November 2008
My A4e - Kev - Ex Pathways client!
Hi.
I'm Kev,46 yrs young ,and just made one of the best decisions of my life.
Because you are here I believe you have as well.
I have been out of the work place for about 2yrs. Two knee operations, and the complications that go with it ,really gave my self confidence a bashing; but like you must be feeling now I felt ready to take the next step
So with anxiety and FEAR I walked in and was introduced to Cara who then became my Advisor. I was very quickly put at my ease as all the staff are welcoming and supportive ; actually they are FANTASTIC!!! This you will find out for yourself I am sure.
Please don't read these stories and then walk away from here. Ask for advise and help, it was there for me and it is there for you.
The first thing that happens is your Advisor will make you a nice COFFEE (laugh out loud) so enjoy. Then you talk. Talk about your life, the things you have done ,what makes you tick and what excites you work wise. Then you get all the support you need to do your C.V..
Look ,the truth is I could go on forever about Pathways and their staff , but get involved and you will be as surprised and overjoyed as I am. I have been fortunate enough after 6 weeks to have found employment in the environment in which I wanted to work.........6 weeks of HARD WORK ............but just knowing the support of Cara my Advisor was there gave me the confidence and reasurance to keep going.
So if you are still reading this thank you ,but go and get chatting to the staff . Get started on changing your life with their GREAT help.
Good luck.......ENJOY !!
kev.
Email from Kev who attended Rhyl Pathways Office
I'm Kev,46 yrs young ,and just made one of the best decisions of my life.
Because you are here I believe you have as well.
I have been out of the work place for about 2yrs. Two knee operations, and the complications that go with it ,really gave my self confidence a bashing; but like you must be feeling now I felt ready to take the next step
So with anxiety and FEAR I walked in and was introduced to Cara who then became my Advisor. I was very quickly put at my ease as all the staff are welcoming and supportive ; actually they are FANTASTIC!!! This you will find out for yourself I am sure.
Please don't read these stories and then walk away from here. Ask for advise and help, it was there for me and it is there for you.
The first thing that happens is your Advisor will make you a nice COFFEE (laugh out loud) so enjoy. Then you talk. Talk about your life, the things you have done ,what makes you tick and what excites you work wise. Then you get all the support you need to do your C.V..
Look ,the truth is I could go on forever about Pathways and their staff , but get involved and you will be as surprised and overjoyed as I am. I have been fortunate enough after 6 weeks to have found employment in the environment in which I wanted to work.........6 weeks of HARD WORK ............but just knowing the support of Cara my Advisor was there gave me the confidence and reasurance to keep going.
So if you are still reading this thank you ,but go and get chatting to the staff . Get started on changing your life with their GREAT help.
Good luck.......ENJOY !!
kev.
Email from Kev who attended Rhyl Pathways Office
Thursday, 16 October 2008
My A4e - Clare Marie Taylor
Here is my story:
I have had an interesting career so far, starting life as a jeweller and then a side step into a training company where I worked my way up to Quality Manager, Work Based Learning Manager and Lead Internal Verifier. I had a fantastic External Verifier who recommended that I became an EV to, so I did.
The training company I worked for went bust and I started with a new company but was bored of being stuck in the same office everyday doing the same job as before, so went back to being an NVQ Assessor for a national company to get back out meeting people but hated the unrealistic targets and hours put on me.
At the same time as the assessor role I was a mentor for A4e, which I loved.
My friend called me and asked if had seen the paper, it has an excellent job in there that I had to apply for. Quality Practitioner for a national company.
I went and got the paper and that night sent my CV off to the recruitment company and they called me the next day while I was away on holiday, and said that I had an excellent CV as it was unusual to see work history with quality and training on it.
They wanted me to go for an interview at the end of that week and the company was A4e so I came back off my holiday early as I had been working as a mentor for this company I was really interested.
The interview was held in a lovely hotel in Exeter. I have to say the interview was very thorough and Steve Hart was very clear of what he needed in his area regarding the role.
The interview went really well and he really made me work hard throughout, really challenging me and my abilities and views to make sure I would fit in.
As per any interview it was said we will let you know. I don’t think at that point you ever know what’s going to happen next.
I got offered a second interview and before I knew it I was off to see Karen Roberts in Sheffield. Again I had a successful interview and was told they will let me know.
The offer came through and I accepted the role.
Since then it has gone from strength to strength with the role going from just Devon and Cornwall to National, we have developed a new quality tool which saves the managers time and produces reports, I am on central quality team and doing cross divisional work with A4e Work and Skills.
I can’t say that the challenges are not there now and I am doing things I didn't think I would be and expanding my knowledge of all A4e provisions so I am able to work on central teams. I enjoy the supportive/quality part of my role in helping and guiding managers to achieve their best, and do all I can to help them.
The best part is on my admin day when I can I still do mentoring for the local A4e works office as it seems to make an impact with the customers and they request to see me again as they feel it really helps them.
If I can give someone a chance to chat and give some advice which will motivate them to want to go back to work it is worthwhile as I always look at life that the glass is half full which is difficult for customers if they are feeling depressed or not motivated but gives them a chance to see things from someones else's points of view and take that forward. So far it has worked.
I was very motivated by attending In Conservation with Emma and decided that I wanted a company mentor.
I have managed to get myself one now so I have someone to lean on when there is a challenge or change, to discuss my concerns and issues and get a clear head to move forward but also to expand my knowledge regarding the company.
The company is excellent to work for and the staff I am meeting up and down the country are so friendly, helpful and supportive and really believe in Improving peoples lives, which is fantastic to see that the staff really believe the company ethos.
I am really enjoying my role and working for A4e and have people like Steve Hart to thank for all the support he has given me.
Many thanks for your time in reading my brief story.
Regards,
Clare-Marie Taylor
National Quality and Training Practitioner
Health and Social Care Division
I have had an interesting career so far, starting life as a jeweller and then a side step into a training company where I worked my way up to Quality Manager, Work Based Learning Manager and Lead Internal Verifier. I had a fantastic External Verifier who recommended that I became an EV to, so I did.
The training company I worked for went bust and I started with a new company but was bored of being stuck in the same office everyday doing the same job as before, so went back to being an NVQ Assessor for a national company to get back out meeting people but hated the unrealistic targets and hours put on me.
At the same time as the assessor role I was a mentor for A4e, which I loved.
My friend called me and asked if had seen the paper, it has an excellent job in there that I had to apply for. Quality Practitioner for a national company.
I went and got the paper and that night sent my CV off to the recruitment company and they called me the next day while I was away on holiday, and said that I had an excellent CV as it was unusual to see work history with quality and training on it.
They wanted me to go for an interview at the end of that week and the company was A4e so I came back off my holiday early as I had been working as a mentor for this company I was really interested.
The interview was held in a lovely hotel in Exeter. I have to say the interview was very thorough and Steve Hart was very clear of what he needed in his area regarding the role.
The interview went really well and he really made me work hard throughout, really challenging me and my abilities and views to make sure I would fit in.
As per any interview it was said we will let you know. I don’t think at that point you ever know what’s going to happen next.
I got offered a second interview and before I knew it I was off to see Karen Roberts in Sheffield. Again I had a successful interview and was told they will let me know.
The offer came through and I accepted the role.
Since then it has gone from strength to strength with the role going from just Devon and Cornwall to National, we have developed a new quality tool which saves the managers time and produces reports, I am on central quality team and doing cross divisional work with A4e Work and Skills.
I can’t say that the challenges are not there now and I am doing things I didn't think I would be and expanding my knowledge of all A4e provisions so I am able to work on central teams. I enjoy the supportive/quality part of my role in helping and guiding managers to achieve their best, and do all I can to help them.
The best part is on my admin day when I can I still do mentoring for the local A4e works office as it seems to make an impact with the customers and they request to see me again as they feel it really helps them.
If I can give someone a chance to chat and give some advice which will motivate them to want to go back to work it is worthwhile as I always look at life that the glass is half full which is difficult for customers if they are feeling depressed or not motivated but gives them a chance to see things from someones else's points of view and take that forward. So far it has worked.
I was very motivated by attending In Conservation with Emma and decided that I wanted a company mentor.
I have managed to get myself one now so I have someone to lean on when there is a challenge or change, to discuss my concerns and issues and get a clear head to move forward but also to expand my knowledge regarding the company.
The company is excellent to work for and the staff I am meeting up and down the country are so friendly, helpful and supportive and really believe in Improving peoples lives, which is fantastic to see that the staff really believe the company ethos.
I am really enjoying my role and working for A4e and have people like Steve Hart to thank for all the support he has given me.
Many thanks for your time in reading my brief story.
Regards,
Clare-Marie Taylor
National Quality and Training Practitioner
Health and Social Care Division
Sunday, 5 October 2008
My A4e - Susan Orr
My name is Susan Orr and I work for A4e as a Gateway Tutor in the HMP/YOI in Norwich. I have been employed by A4e for over two years and for the past fifteen months I have been working as a Gateway Tutor in the YOI in Norwich Norfolk. After reading Emma's Blog site, she said she was keen to hear from employees with inspirational stories and I felt compelled to put pen to paper so-to-speak.
Since working in the YOI I have met some really interesting young men who have lost their way for many different reasons. I have also learnt a great deal from these young men in terms of how, why and what it was that lead them to getting into trouble with the law. My role as a Gateway Tutor is to deliver a 10 day training programme for young offenders due for release. My workshops include diagnostic evaluations on individuals, communication skills, team building, problem solving, creating outstanding CVs, interview techniques, disclosure letters, money management, motivational sessions and confidence building.
I am I have to say extremely proud of the way the course has developed and also for the fantastic outcomes we have achieved as a result of these young men attending the programme. I felt I had to drop you a line with a few of these stories because I am so proud of their achievements. There is no doubt that these young men’s' lives have been improved. They are now looking forward to promising futures with something they had very little of and that was hope, hope that they can now become independent, successful members of society following a time of sometimes traumatic, difficult times filled with uncertainty whilst being in custody.
I love my job because I love the changes I see in their outlook on their own lives and how these have improved so much for them. I do hope that you read them and it would be fantastic to get some feedback from you when you are able to. In the meantime, thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards
Susan Orr
A4e Gateway Tutor YOI Norwich
Case studies from YOI Norwich
Young Man A
In April 2008, I spoke to a young D CAT prisoner who had attended an earlier Gateway course. I felt he had no direction or commitment to completing any tasks given to him. Whilst working in the Staff canteen, he was sullen, low in spirit and seemed to lack confidence. He agreed that I would recommend him to Shopie Houghton, my contact at the Princes Trust in Norwich for the 13 week ‘TEAM’ programme and felt that this would encourage him to surface from his shell. There were only limited spaces on the course of a maximum of 15 with it running only once every 3 months. The programme was all about taking part in team-building exercises, community project work, obtaining ICT, literacy and numeracy qualifications with the chance to prove staying power, commitment, confidence-building and communication skills.. He absolutely fulfilled his commitment by not missing any of the programme. According to the Princes Trust, he turned out to be one of the best candidates the Princes Trust had ever come across and worked with. When he did complete the course, myself and a colleague attended the ceremony, he and his colleagues from the ‘TEAM’ programme attended the awards ceremony in July 2008, where he was handed certificates for ICT CLAIT Level 2, Literacy Level 2, Numeracy Level 2 and a Food Hygiene certificate. He also managed to enrol at the Norwich City College onto a music production course which he started in September 2008 and when he gets his diploma, he wants to go onto Nottingham University to continue in Music Production.
This young man achieved so much in such a short time, not only did he work to gain his qualifications, he pushed himself through his comfort zone and forced himself to come out of his shell and communicate with others, he worked successfully as part of a team and managed to complete a community project of transforming some old run down changing rooms at a recreational playing field, enabling young children to start using the changing rooms for hockey, rugby and football practice and tournaments. The Princes Trust was outstanding in their support to this young man and we are all tremendously pleased for his achievements and his goals which are now in place for the future. This young man began a journey which was very daunting for him, but, he soared to fantastic heights and proved to everyone that he could make something of his life, all he needed was for someone to believe in him and to show him the way. I am absolutely thrilled with this young man’s success story and delighted that I was able to help him find his path and to realise his potential. He is just astounded at his own success and what he has achieved I such a short space of time.
Young Man B
In early March 2008 a young offender had attended the Gateway course delivered by myself at the YOI Norwich. His cellmate had recommended the course to him as he thought it would help him with his self-esteem and confidence. His lack of self-belief was evident however, as he participated in each session on interview skills, confidence-building, CV construction and team building exercises his confidence began to emerge. Armed with an outstanding CV, a bucket load of confidence and a positive attitude, he left the prison on Monday morning and set to work on making phone calls the next day to Job Mates contact Chris Metcalfe. Chris had met him prior to the young man leaving the prison and signed him up whilst he was taking part in the Gateway to work course. They rallied around most of the employment agencies in the Ipswich area and by 5.00pm that day, less than 24 hours after leaving prison, he had been offered a full-time temporary job as a Farm Hand. A week later the agency received a phone call from the Farmer who was so delighted with his hard work and strong work ethic that he wanted to employ him permanently.
Young Man C
In June 2008, another young prisoner who was from Russia, completed the Gateway to Work course and he was very impressed with his CV and the Adult Directions advice and guidance received by Jo in Tribal at the end of the course. After leaving prison, he was offered a job within two weeks of leaving as a Production Operative Supervisor, and three months later in September 2008, he managed to get himself a mechanics apprenticeship and is combining work with a college course to become a qualified mechanic over the next two years.
Young Man D
This young man attended the Gateway course and was hoping to find employment as a fork lift operative. We produced an outstanding CV which he was delighted with and he mentioned that he had previously been in the Army, he was already quite motivated. He wanted to explore his career options and discovered after completing the Adult Directions in TRIBAL that he was an ideal candidate for driving a forklift as a career. I spoke to him at the end of August when he telephoned in requesting his floppy disk with his CV on it that he had been offered a job with the hard copy of his CV to start in September. He had also discovered that the Army would take him back in January 2009 once his Tag had expired. He was really delighted with his outcome as we were. He extended his thanks to and was looking forward to his new life.
Young Man E
I spoke to this gentleman only today 23.9.08 that had also benefitted from the Gateway course who had received confirmation that he had got a job working on a trawler as a Deck Hand, to start working in Kings Lynn at the beginning of October 2008. He was astounded that he had managed to get a job all lined up ready for when he was released!
Since working in the YOI I have met some really interesting young men who have lost their way for many different reasons. I have also learnt a great deal from these young men in terms of how, why and what it was that lead them to getting into trouble with the law. My role as a Gateway Tutor is to deliver a 10 day training programme for young offenders due for release. My workshops include diagnostic evaluations on individuals, communication skills, team building, problem solving, creating outstanding CVs, interview techniques, disclosure letters, money management, motivational sessions and confidence building.
I am I have to say extremely proud of the way the course has developed and also for the fantastic outcomes we have achieved as a result of these young men attending the programme. I felt I had to drop you a line with a few of these stories because I am so proud of their achievements. There is no doubt that these young men’s' lives have been improved. They are now looking forward to promising futures with something they had very little of and that was hope, hope that they can now become independent, successful members of society following a time of sometimes traumatic, difficult times filled with uncertainty whilst being in custody.
I love my job because I love the changes I see in their outlook on their own lives and how these have improved so much for them. I do hope that you read them and it would be fantastic to get some feedback from you when you are able to. In the meantime, thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards
Susan Orr
A4e Gateway Tutor YOI Norwich
Case studies from YOI Norwich
Young Man A
In April 2008, I spoke to a young D CAT prisoner who had attended an earlier Gateway course. I felt he had no direction or commitment to completing any tasks given to him. Whilst working in the Staff canteen, he was sullen, low in spirit and seemed to lack confidence. He agreed that I would recommend him to Shopie Houghton, my contact at the Princes Trust in Norwich for the 13 week ‘TEAM’ programme and felt that this would encourage him to surface from his shell. There were only limited spaces on the course of a maximum of 15 with it running only once every 3 months. The programme was all about taking part in team-building exercises, community project work, obtaining ICT, literacy and numeracy qualifications with the chance to prove staying power, commitment, confidence-building and communication skills.. He absolutely fulfilled his commitment by not missing any of the programme. According to the Princes Trust, he turned out to be one of the best candidates the Princes Trust had ever come across and worked with. When he did complete the course, myself and a colleague attended the ceremony, he and his colleagues from the ‘TEAM’ programme attended the awards ceremony in July 2008, where he was handed certificates for ICT CLAIT Level 2, Literacy Level 2, Numeracy Level 2 and a Food Hygiene certificate. He also managed to enrol at the Norwich City College onto a music production course which he started in September 2008 and when he gets his diploma, he wants to go onto Nottingham University to continue in Music Production.
This young man achieved so much in such a short time, not only did he work to gain his qualifications, he pushed himself through his comfort zone and forced himself to come out of his shell and communicate with others, he worked successfully as part of a team and managed to complete a community project of transforming some old run down changing rooms at a recreational playing field, enabling young children to start using the changing rooms for hockey, rugby and football practice and tournaments. The Princes Trust was outstanding in their support to this young man and we are all tremendously pleased for his achievements and his goals which are now in place for the future. This young man began a journey which was very daunting for him, but, he soared to fantastic heights and proved to everyone that he could make something of his life, all he needed was for someone to believe in him and to show him the way. I am absolutely thrilled with this young man’s success story and delighted that I was able to help him find his path and to realise his potential. He is just astounded at his own success and what he has achieved I such a short space of time.
Young Man B
In early March 2008 a young offender had attended the Gateway course delivered by myself at the YOI Norwich. His cellmate had recommended the course to him as he thought it would help him with his self-esteem and confidence. His lack of self-belief was evident however, as he participated in each session on interview skills, confidence-building, CV construction and team building exercises his confidence began to emerge. Armed with an outstanding CV, a bucket load of confidence and a positive attitude, he left the prison on Monday morning and set to work on making phone calls the next day to Job Mates contact Chris Metcalfe. Chris had met him prior to the young man leaving the prison and signed him up whilst he was taking part in the Gateway to work course. They rallied around most of the employment agencies in the Ipswich area and by 5.00pm that day, less than 24 hours after leaving prison, he had been offered a full-time temporary job as a Farm Hand. A week later the agency received a phone call from the Farmer who was so delighted with his hard work and strong work ethic that he wanted to employ him permanently.
Young Man C
In June 2008, another young prisoner who was from Russia, completed the Gateway to Work course and he was very impressed with his CV and the Adult Directions advice and guidance received by Jo in Tribal at the end of the course. After leaving prison, he was offered a job within two weeks of leaving as a Production Operative Supervisor, and three months later in September 2008, he managed to get himself a mechanics apprenticeship and is combining work with a college course to become a qualified mechanic over the next two years.
Young Man D
This young man attended the Gateway course and was hoping to find employment as a fork lift operative. We produced an outstanding CV which he was delighted with and he mentioned that he had previously been in the Army, he was already quite motivated. He wanted to explore his career options and discovered after completing the Adult Directions in TRIBAL that he was an ideal candidate for driving a forklift as a career. I spoke to him at the end of August when he telephoned in requesting his floppy disk with his CV on it that he had been offered a job with the hard copy of his CV to start in September. He had also discovered that the Army would take him back in January 2009 once his Tag had expired. He was really delighted with his outcome as we were. He extended his thanks to and was looking forward to his new life.
Young Man E
I spoke to this gentleman only today 23.9.08 that had also benefitted from the Gateway course who had received confirmation that he had got a job working on a trawler as a Deck Hand, to start working in Kings Lynn at the beginning of October 2008. He was astounded that he had managed to get a job all lined up ready for when he was released!
Wednesday, 1 October 2008
My A4e - Tara Oldfield
Hi Emma
Just thought I would write and give my appreciation and thanks for yesterday’s visit to your beautiful home. I thoroughly enjoyed the day and learnt a lot. You are very inspiring and the day was very thought provoking. I continually strive to better the service I give to clients and to of course improve their lives. I wear my badge with pride and feel that at the end of the day I have improved someone’s life, and as I tell them regularly the continue to improve my life also. What some clients don’t realise is that they too improve my life. Whether it be saying thank you for something I’ve done or congratulating me on a good session. I gain a lot from the many different clients, mainly confidence in my own ability, which in turn, reflects there ability. As someone wise once told me there is nothing you can’t do if you put your heart and mind into it. I strongly believe this and use this philosophy in a lot of the sessions I teach.
I came to "In conversation with Emma" back in June and felt amazed by you, your beliefs and ambitions and after "Tea with Emma" yesterday I have to say I didn’t think I could be more impressed or inspired but I was wrong. Very wrong. Besides the fact that I believe you are a very genuine, hard working and loyal person to your beliefs, it really felt to me that that is not only the kind of staff you want and need but that kind of people our clients will one day be.
And may I just say that your shoe collection is fabulous!!!!
Anyway back to why I have really written to you. Yesterday you said if you could meet someone dead or alive who would it be? You said "A client".
I appreciate that you are a very busy lady but one day I really do hope that you could find time to meet one client I believe to be very special.
Her name is Elena Molchan and she originates from Russia. She has lived in the UK for six years and has only recently been granted indefinite leave to remain. Elena came to A4e four weeks ago and started on the Elevate course. It was my first week as the Elevate Trainer and I was petrified. I so wanted to get everything right. As with all new groups you have a mixed bunch of characters and personalities, but something and I still don’t know what it was drew me to her. Eventually she began to open up to me. She has not had the best of starts in our country and was desperate to find work to give herself and her two young children a better life. I have to admit I did spend a little more time with her, than maybe I should have done, but I knew there was something special about her and I really did want to see her smile. She is such a lovely lady with a great personality and a great amount of ambition. Elena applied for a job in a Dry Cleaners and I am so pleased to say she got the job and starts next week. She was terrified of the interview process so she stayed behind after sessions and we went through things together. It was as if this job was there waiting for her. She will eventually get to do clothing alterations which is her passion (as when she lived in Russia this was her job). She has won countless competitions and awards for her dressmaking. She is also doing work on my own wedding dress and I truly believe it will be beautiful when she has finished with it. I have really grown fond of her and will miss her so much when she leaves. The best thing about this little story is what she said to me the day she got the job – "Tara you have done so much for me and my two little girl’s and now our life will be better because of you". I did cry after she left because it was the nicest thing anyone has said to me in a very long time.
I did what my badge said and I improved someone’s life, but this was different.
I really love the work you are doing overseas and Elena has said the same thing. You are touching so many people’s lives and I want to say thank you for that. Without this job I know I wouldn’t never be able to do something so rewarding.
So if you could find the time to meet her I would be most grateful. I know as said earlier you are very busy I would be more than happy to bring her to you just for a small chat and maybe a piece of that gorgeous cake!!!
Hope to hear from you soon.
Best Wishes
Tara Oldfield
Elevate Trainer
A4e Barnsley
Just thought I would write and give my appreciation and thanks for yesterday’s visit to your beautiful home. I thoroughly enjoyed the day and learnt a lot. You are very inspiring and the day was very thought provoking. I continually strive to better the service I give to clients and to of course improve their lives. I wear my badge with pride and feel that at the end of the day I have improved someone’s life, and as I tell them regularly the continue to improve my life also. What some clients don’t realise is that they too improve my life. Whether it be saying thank you for something I’ve done or congratulating me on a good session. I gain a lot from the many different clients, mainly confidence in my own ability, which in turn, reflects there ability. As someone wise once told me there is nothing you can’t do if you put your heart and mind into it. I strongly believe this and use this philosophy in a lot of the sessions I teach.
I came to "In conversation with Emma" back in June and felt amazed by you, your beliefs and ambitions and after "Tea with Emma" yesterday I have to say I didn’t think I could be more impressed or inspired but I was wrong. Very wrong. Besides the fact that I believe you are a very genuine, hard working and loyal person to your beliefs, it really felt to me that that is not only the kind of staff you want and need but that kind of people our clients will one day be.
And may I just say that your shoe collection is fabulous!!!!
Anyway back to why I have really written to you. Yesterday you said if you could meet someone dead or alive who would it be? You said "A client".
I appreciate that you are a very busy lady but one day I really do hope that you could find time to meet one client I believe to be very special.
Her name is Elena Molchan and she originates from Russia. She has lived in the UK for six years and has only recently been granted indefinite leave to remain. Elena came to A4e four weeks ago and started on the Elevate course. It was my first week as the Elevate Trainer and I was petrified. I so wanted to get everything right. As with all new groups you have a mixed bunch of characters and personalities, but something and I still don’t know what it was drew me to her. Eventually she began to open up to me. She has not had the best of starts in our country and was desperate to find work to give herself and her two young children a better life. I have to admit I did spend a little more time with her, than maybe I should have done, but I knew there was something special about her and I really did want to see her smile. She is such a lovely lady with a great personality and a great amount of ambition. Elena applied for a job in a Dry Cleaners and I am so pleased to say she got the job and starts next week. She was terrified of the interview process so she stayed behind after sessions and we went through things together. It was as if this job was there waiting for her. She will eventually get to do clothing alterations which is her passion (as when she lived in Russia this was her job). She has won countless competitions and awards for her dressmaking. She is also doing work on my own wedding dress and I truly believe it will be beautiful when she has finished with it. I have really grown fond of her and will miss her so much when she leaves. The best thing about this little story is what she said to me the day she got the job – "Tara you have done so much for me and my two little girl’s and now our life will be better because of you". I did cry after she left because it was the nicest thing anyone has said to me in a very long time.
I did what my badge said and I improved someone’s life, but this was different.
I really love the work you are doing overseas and Elena has said the same thing. You are touching so many people’s lives and I want to say thank you for that. Without this job I know I wouldn’t never be able to do something so rewarding.
So if you could find the time to meet her I would be most grateful. I know as said earlier you are very busy I would be more than happy to bring her to you just for a small chat and maybe a piece of that gorgeous cake!!!
Hope to hear from you soon.
Best Wishes
Tara Oldfield
Elevate Trainer
A4e Barnsley
Tuesday, 23 September 2008
My A4e - The sun does shine in Wales…but only when A4e run!!
With everyone hoping for a good summer, it seemed that we were all trying to outdo each other and pin point the best weeks to take off to enjoy whatever warm and dry weather there was. The truth is, that like Derek Brockway -weatherman of BBC Wales Today- predicting weather is not a science but pure luck. Sadly, most were disappointed with the amount of sun available these past few months (unless you visited the Bahamas). However, there has been some glimmer of hope. A4e Pathways running group has entered two races and each one has been in a blaze of sunshine and the two dates run must have been the hottest days Wales has seen this year.
The Admiral Swansea Bay 10k saw a change in the line up this race. Back for a second round of punishment were Neil Griffiths and Kris Evans. Newcomers to the stage this time, replacing Jane Fox (out due to injury) and Louise Jane Edwards (out due to being a mum) were our very own Training practitioner Sarah Bridgeman and host of the Friday quiz David Jones.
The A4e running team has started to gain a little momentum, and this time we even managed to find some promotional T-shirts that we could shamelessly plug A4e Pathways throughout the event. Whilst opinions on the colour were mixed and rather varied, we all have to agree that we were noticed, and we even got chatting to a 10 foot pirate/admiral.
Warming up inside St Helens rugby ground an announcement that the warm up would in fact be on the main coast road. I have to say that she was not as good as Mr Motivator from the Great Wales run, and she must have been about 5 feet tall, as no-one could see or hear her. Taking the warm up seriously, Kris and Neil managed some very good imitations of the village people YMCA as well as the dance for dads (big fish, little fish, cardboard box) With I-pods at the ready and ensuring that the technical aspect of the race was in place (make sure your laces are tied up), the gun went and 3500 runners were off on the 2008 Swansea Bay 10k.
Anyone who has been to Swansea will not fail to be amazed by the amount of lush fields and playgrounds around the beach front, but we were not here for that! The first 5k took in the glamorous Swansea University and Singleton hospital, before heading towards the Mumbles. It is always amazing to see that main arterial roads are closed, and what should have been a great Sunday get away to the Gower for most Welsh families, probably turned into a wacky races around the side streets.
At the 5k mark a refreshing drinks station was conveniently placed to allow us to get in valuable liquids lost. The second half was a park run, so on your right a wonderful view of the beach and sea, and one your left nice gardens and trees providing much needed shade from the sun. Swansea has definitely gone up in the world since I was a kid. Long gone are the slurry coated beaches and in comes nice clean air and fresh smells of the sea. It is easy to know when you were getting nearer to the finish line, as the crowds started to swell and the encouragement from them was as usual much needed by most. Even those walking dogs and cycling were encouraging the runners to get closer to the end.
The only A4e staff member to finish within the hour was our District Manager Neil Griffiths with a great finishing time of 58 minutes and 55 seconds. Quickly followed by Friday Quiz boy David Jones with 1 hour 2 minutes and 18 seconds. Debutant Sarah Bridgeman came in with an incredibly respectable 1 hour 17 minutes and 50 seconds. Finally, Kris Evans proving that 20 a day does impact on your lungs despite 1 hour 22 minutes and 16 seconds.
Finish line = banana and water. I never thought that that combination would ever sound exciting, but it was a welcome sight. Runner of the event should surely go to Sarah Bridgeman who ran and ran throughout the whole event and never stopped.
Many thanks as well to the A4e groupies who continue to maintain the momentum. Julie Dyer, Paul Ferrier and Sharon Griffiths.
Next race up for consideration is the Margam park 10k which is on 19th October. http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/10k/venues/margam08/ <https://webmail.a4e.co.uk/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/10k/venues/margam08/> If anyone in A4e is interested in coming along either as a supporter or even better as a runner then please feel free to contact me on kevans@a4e.co.uk or Louisa Jane Edwards on Ledwards@a4e.co.uk
It is worth remembering that we are considering affiliation to a running area (probably North Wales athletics) which will ensure that we can obtain a reduction in race entry costs.
STOP PRESS STOP PRESS FINAL EDITION!!!!!!!!
Liverpool, December 7th SANTA DASH!!!!!
A 5k (3 miles) run where we all get to disguise ourselves as our favourite Christmas character. No its not Simon Cowell but Father Christmas!!!!
http://www.blogger.com/www.runliverpool.org.uk/Event_List_08/Liverpool_Santa_Dash.htm
ANYONE ELSE IN A4e INTERESTED??? Please let us know and we can always arrange to meet you with our funky T-shirts!!!!
There has been discussion about many Santa Runs/dash’s but a collective decision has been made that Team A4e will be running in Liverpool this Christmas. Please come along as most of us will be staying overnight (Oh please someone help us!)
Kris Evans
Directions Facilitator & OSA Mid Wales
Occupational Support Team
Tuesday, 29 July 2008
My A4e - Team Directions
Well... the team limbered up and did a good stretch with the old Mr Motivator (you know him off of the TV) Then 20 minutes later than planned (after Cardiff City Council forgot to close the Cardiff Bay barrage bridge for us to run along) we hit the trainers to the floor and started pounding the streets of Cardiff.
Over 4,000 people ran yesterday and amongst those 4,000 were the A4e Team of Neil Griffiths, Louisa Edwards, Jane Fox and Kris Evans.
With such a hot day, no personal best could be achieved, so it was just relax and enjoy the scenery! First through the gates (This is using the Championship) was Jane Fox with 1Hr 3 min 05 secs, followed closely behind was Louisa Edwards with 1Hr 3 min 09 secs. Neil Griffiths arrived through the Roal Dahl Basin in a respectable 1Hr 8 mins 58 Secs. Finally Me who openly admitted to a 20 a day habit and never managed to get all the training in I wanted came in on 1Hr 18 mins 57 secs.
This e-mail is a thank you so much for helping us to raise £230.00.
With such a hot day, no personal best could be achieved, so it was just relax and enjoy the scenery! First through the gates (This is using the Championship) was Jane Fox with 1Hr 3 min 05 secs, followed closely behind was Louisa Edwards with 1Hr 3 min 09 secs. Neil Griffiths arrived through the Roal Dahl Basin in a respectable 1Hr 8 mins 58 Secs. Finally Me who openly admitted to a 20 a day habit and never managed to get all the training in I wanted came in on 1Hr 18 mins 57 secs.
This e-mail is a thank you so much for helping us to raise £230.00.
Along with the Gift aid of £64.87, and our dress down day money, I am sure that this money will be used by the FSI to help assist smaller organisations who really need help in looking for sustainable funding. This is especially important in the current economic climate and when all historic areas of funding (Big Lottery etc) are being cut because of the Olympics.
A HUGE thank you to all of Pathways staff and Directions Wales for your support!
Neil Griffiths
District Manager (Wales)
A4e Pathways
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