As a stay at home mother, Elizabeth Tommy had been out of work for a number of years, but eventually made the decision to try and find a full time job. She soon found that things had evolved from when she had worked previously and competition in the job market was steep, and she simply did not know where to start. Progressively she developed a great fear about the task in hand and her confidence dwindled. So Elizabeth gave up on looking for work and visited her local Job Centre to apply for Income Support, which is where she saw the leaflet for LEAP and joined the STRIVE Workshop in May 2006.
On the first day of the workshop, she felt unhappy about having to follow the workshop rules and sanctions system. However she soon realised that these rules would help her and her class-mates to become well disciplined and self-controlled. Having been at home for so many years, she was not used to taking instructions from anyone and was literally her own boss. She found that having to attend the workshop five days a week from 9.30am to 5pm and having to complete allocated tasks, effectively helped to bring back some structure into her life. The workshop also provided hands on experience of what it would be like when she returned to the workforce. Elizabeth did not know what to expect from one day to the next and found the exercises challenging, and she soon learnt to adapt. Each day her confidence improved and she even found that she was able to stand in front of the class and share the fact that she lacked confidence
From the workshop she learnt that everyone has obstacles in their lives at some point, but their position in life is determined by how they choose to deal with these obstacles when they arise. From that point, she stopped seeing LEAP as an organisation, instead she saw LEAP as being made up of individuals who were passionate about helping people. She remembers being personally motivated by the staff who personified the values of respect, commitment, care and professionalism. LEAP not only helped Elizabeth with the practical aspects of job hunting such as CV writing, presentation skills and interview role plays, but also how to develop a positive attitude and self-belief, all of which empowered her.
Elizabeth secured a job as an Account Manager within two months of completing the STRIVE workshop and she has been in the same employment for the past three years. Elizabeth is currently studying for professional qualifications from the Chartered Institute of Marketing alongside her full time role and states unequivocally that LEAP has been instrumental in the whole process.
She says: ‘LEAP is a crucial positive contributor to society. It has helped me as a single mother to make better provision for my children thereby giving them a good start in life. I feel proud to be a LEAP ambassador where ever I go.’
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