Mother of five, Sandra Ridings, 43, has turned her life around – and it’s taken just four months. “I used to think I wasn’t worthy. I used to shuffle around the estate,” she said. “Now I AM someone!”
With dedication and determination – and a helping hand from Wigan Council – she’s gaining, in her own words, the “education and skills I need to get a real job.”
Sandra’s been attending the popular parents’ and carers’ learning and employment programme at Shakerley Community Centre in Tyldesley – so popular, in fact, that the council hopes to introduce similar schemes across the borough. The scheme is there to help parents and carers of under fives into training and employment, through one-to-one advice and practical support.
In Sandra’s case, this has meant reaching Level 2 in English and getting rapidly up to speed with the world of IT (her children have even bought her a PC!). She’s left behind the person who “dreaded” walking through the door on day one.
“I was shaking”, admits Sandra. “But everyone is a team here and they are so encouraging. Julie understands us – she was waiting outside the door on that first day.”
She’s talking about Wigan Council’s Julie Baxendale, whose hard work and commitment – acknowledged in an independent report – has been integral to the project’s success.
“We’ve had more than 100 people through our doors in just nine months” says Julie, “and every one of them has made something of the opportunities on offer – training and education, valuable work experience, secure employment. Our approach is informal, the atmosphere is friendly– and fun is a big factor too.”
Pauline Dann, who’s already achieved passes in English and Maths, agrees. “It’s brilliant here – there are people here who I know and my daughter stays in the crèche while I am learning.”
The 25 year old mother of one young daughter is now stepping up her IT skills, working towards customer care qualifications and has accepted a work placement at the community centre’s café. “It’s as if a light switch has been turned on” says Pauline. “I am laughing and am happy. I can now get a job and give my daughter a better life.”
For advice and assistance with getting into work or training, telephone 01942 404456 (Leigh), 01942 776793 (Wigan) or 07768 487828 (Shakerley/Tyldesley).
Wigan Council wishes to thank Shakerley Community Partnership and the many class providers, including Working Wonders, Tyldesley Community Education Centre, Groundwork and the council’s own Children’s Fund and Sure Start.
