MORE than 5,000 people living in Warrington and Cheshire have taken their first steps into work, education or training thanks to a free voluntary support programme.
Claire Steele, 36, from Warrington, (pictured) is just one of the many people who has been helped through New Leaf.
She was feeling stuck and in limbo with some issues with anxiety that were holding her back from taking the next step in her career. Now, thanks to support from New Leaf, she’s gained two college qualifications, and started a job in her chosen career as a preschool teacher.
Claire was volunteering at a children’s centre when she found out about New Leaf. She applied and through them went to college to get training to work as a teaching assistant.
She said: “I’d definitely recommend New Leaf to anyone who is like me and was in limbo, not knowing what to do next, or for someone who knows what they want but isn’t sure how to go about it. I’d definitely go through New Leaf because they’ll help you with anything you need.”
New Leaf is about helping people get a new start and take the first steps into employment. Participants work one-to-one with an expert mentor to work out what they want to achieve and then work together to achieve it. The support is personalised and allows people to work around their existing commitments.
Of the 5278 people that the programme has already supported since it launched in 2016, 881 have already gone into employment, with a further 733 going into further education or training.
The team behind New Leaf is now calling for more people living in Cheshire and Warrington, to register interest for support from the programme.
Project manager Andy Rawlins said: “Everybody’s journey into employment is different and it can be a daunting experience for those who have been out of work for a period of time, especially for people who may be lacking in confidence or facing personal challenges such as with finances, heath issues, disabilities or addictions.
“New Leaf is about you and for you – your mentor will work with you on the steps that are right for you. Our expert mentors really care and will really listen so you can be assured you will get the best support possible.
“We’re proud of the fact that we’ve been able to help thousands of people in Cheshire and Warrington with those important first steps, and we’re keen to continue supporting people.
“If you think we can help you, or someone you know, please get in touch to find out how our team can help. We’re can help you access training and qualifications, improve your overall confidence and ultimately help get you into work or training that is suited to you.”
