Dozens of jobseekers have found work after taking
part an innovative project to help boost confidence and
motivation.
Every Friday, groups of up to 15 jobseekers can be seen trekking
around the streets of Plymouth with a personal trainer as part of a
voluntary scheme run by Work Programme provider Working Links.
Since Working Links has introduced the ‘Feel Good Friday’ scheme
18 months ago, there has been a clear increase in confidence and
motivation among participants – and 55% have so far achieved
jobs.
Personal Trainer Saul Rodgers takes the group sessions, which
have covered numerous sports including running, walking, swimming
and boxing. So far, about 60 people have found jobs after taking
part in the sessions.
He said: “We do all sorts of activities with the group, but it’s
got to be inclusive – something everyone wants to do. I’ve been a
trainer for almost five years and I’ve never done anything like
this so it’s really exciting to be involved in something so
innovative.
“Health, fitness and wellbeing is really important not only
physically but mentally too. Job seeking and keeping fit have a lot
in common – it’s a lot about trying to achieve goals. It’s not all
about fitness though, it’s about working as part of a team and
gaining confidence, increasing motivation.”
Through the Work Programme, providers are urged to offer
innovative services to help get people back to work and after
success in Plymouth, the project is now set to be rolled out in
Exeter, Torquay and Taunton.
Karen Dugdale, Consultant at Working Links’ Plymouth office,
said: “The sessions are open to any of our Work Programme
customers. We don’t force it upon anyone but it’s clear that it
works.
“A lot of the people who have so far been on the sessions have
said it’s helped them lose weight which has been a major
contributor to them having more confidence and energy. This has
then transferred through to their job seeking and dozens have found
work on the back of it.
“Most of the people we see through Work Programme have been out
of work for 12 months or more and have had a lot of knock-backs so
it’s great to see that this has helped. Being part of a group and
communicating with that group obviously plays a part but exercise
is proving a big hit.”
Leanne Horrell, 21, takes part in the sessions. She said: “I
came to Working Links lacking in confidence and when I was offered
the chance to do this I thought I’d give it a go.
“It’s boosted my confidence and I’ve lost a bit of weight too so
things are definitely looking up.”
To find out more about how Working Links helps communities
please contact us
or call 0800 917 9262.