A range of activities like photography, mountain biking and even ‘Lego’ for grown ups is helping Torbay and Devon residents who are out of work get active, learn new skills and hobbies and increase their confidence.
Funded by the Big Lottery Fund and European Social Fund, the Positive People project is hosting a range of fun activities where locals can meet new people and begin to plan for their future. It aims to reach out to individuals from across Torbay and Devon as well as across the South West, and will benefit around 1,300 people in Devon.
Avril Bankes-Fay, partnership manager for the scheme, said: “The Positive People initiative provides support, encouragement and motivation to develop new life skills and gain confidence. In some cases this has meant people finding their way back into education, training or employment.”
She added: “For many people, the project is a life-line. Simply coming along to an event or group activity is a massive first step.
“We start by engaging in activities that everyone can enjoy, sometimes with family members. That can be anything from photography, mountain biking or even our hugely popular ‘Lego for grown-ups’ sessions.” The sessions are run by project partners Pluss, Cosmic and Torbay Community Development Trust.
From here, those who feel they would benefit from our continued support are introduced to one of our ‘change coaches’ who will help guide them through a tailored programme of activities.
“This looks different for everyone”, says Avril, “For some people it may be about learning new digital, literacy or numeracy skills and for others it may be increasing their confidence by spending time with others or through volunteering.
“For some it may involve further bespoke support from one of our specialist partners such as help with self-esteem, anxiety, access to benefits or housing and financial advice. As people move through the programme we can also offer support with preparing for work, job search or interview skills if employment is something they are keen to pursue.”
Michael, 54, heard about the Positive People programme through a voluntary organisation he had contact with. He had experienced a series of set-backs in life and, having once been a high-flying professional, found it extremely difficult to adjust to his mental and physical situation. His first step towards the programme was attending one of the events.
After moving to a new area where he did not know anybody, and being without colleagues, Michael had become very insular and was ill. He said: “I realised I needed to break the cycle that I was in but found it difficult to know what my options were. I had worked for over 30 years consistently and now not working I found the time, and endless days running into one, frustrating and difficult. Motivation was not there.
“The Positive People programme has made me aware of the opportunities available to me and has put me in contact with people who are in a similar situation.”
Michael and his son attended a ‘Sound Path’ event run by Torbay Community Development Trust and Cosmic, where participants made and worked with sound recordings. He said: “What was fantastic was that everyone at the event was made to feel that they were a central part of the activity, and there was a real sense of value and worth which is missing from my day to day life. Self-worth is really important and everyone was listened to. It was a barrier of mine to attend with different people who I didn’t know, but there was a structure to the day that had great flexibility and allowed space to be as involved, or not as you wanted to. No one felt awkward, everyone contributed and interacted with each other.”
“I felt different after the event, like I was almost walking on air.”
Michael completed the self-assessment and has since been referred into the Positive People programme where he will receive ongoing support to overcome barriers and to build his confidence.
Future events:
Monday’s weekly Drop In The Lounge, Unit 28 Fleet Walk, Torquay 10am – 4pm during April. Changes will be made for May. Come and Drop In, learn more about the positive people programme and opportunities are available to you, meet new people, find out about activities that you can take part in as a group, what volunteer opportunities are available for you and put forward your ideas for future events.
Fridays – 11am – 2pm ‘Drop In’ The Living Room, St Mary’s Magdalene Church, Torquay (every fortnight from March 23) Positive People drop ins are open to anyone who has a question, niggle or problem relating to anything digital. They are held all over Devon and aim to help people gain confidence in navigating the internet, using mobile phones effectively, using emails, basic computer maintenance, social media and much more. Ensuring people have the best possible start in digital to progress in life. Whether that be into work, training or becoming more socially active.
To read the rest of this article, please visit: This project could be just what you need if you are out of work in Devon
or visit: Positive People & Hopeful Families
