Client A, who is a lone parent bringing up her 2 children aged 7 and 2 years, came to Working for Families (WFF) as she was struggling to find a direction in her life. She had low self-esteem and confidence, and the stress of bringing up her children was proving a strain to her.  She was attending a training course at the time to improve her IT skills and knowledge, and was enjoying the course but was worried what would happen when this course came to an end.

 

With a multi-agency approach, Client A got guidance regarding which career path to choose and feels a lot happier towards focusing on this and attaining her career goals. There are 2 training courses that she is interested in and one which she has already signed up for. A volunteering opportunity has been sought and she is very keen on doing this at least 2 days per week. She is also extremely interested in attending the 2nd WFF Personal Development course to develop her skills and confidence even further.

 

Client B, who has 2 children and a partner, approached WFF as he wanted to become a self-employed Locksmith, but wasn’t sure which way to turn with regards to suitable training courses, gaining qualifications in this area, and how to go about setting up his own business.

 

WFF looked into the client’s situation and liaised with the Business Gateway to help give him a business plan, JCP and another external agency for additional help and guidance. It was agreed that 3 of the providers (including WFF) would help in meeting the cost of the course which was held over 5 days in Birmingham.

 

Now the client has qualified in all the main areas to become a Locksmith and is moving forward and making good progress to be able to put his business plan into practice and make the most of his business ideas. This wouldn’t have been possible without the intervention and help of WFF.

 

Client D was referred to WFF from a partnership agency, as she was a lone parent who was struggling financially to bring up 3 children on a low income. One of the main stresses in the client’s life was her mounting debt issues which she could seem to find no way out of.

 

Client C was looking to take a part-time work and felt this would not be possible with her present situation. A referral to the WFF Money Advice Service was made, where the Money Adviser contacted the companies who had been harassing our client on a daily basis with sometimes up to 7 calls. They then made arrangements so that her debt could be consolidated and be paid back on an affordable basis, which would eventually allow her to pay the debt of in full and see some light at the end of the tunnel.

 

Client C is now able to look for jobs, and feels safe in the knowledge that she knows what state her finances are now in and how much better off she will be when going back to work. The bit of breathing space it has given her has helped her deal with her finances and get control of her life back.<

Submitted by alasdair mathers from Midlothian Council Regeneration section. If you wish to contact this person please email alasdair.mathers@midlothian.gov.uk

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