Why not make a change? In the New Year and for the first time open to everyone is a range of adult learning courses in subjects from Beading to Djembe Drums from People Matters.
All local people from across south Leeds who are 19 years and over and would like to give learning something a try in a friendly, relaxed community environment are welcome to join in. You will agree personal goals and work closely with the tutor to build your talents in the area you choose.
For example the Film Making course is for anyone who would like to experience this fantastic medium for telling a story. It might be a story to highlight your experiences or a travel guide for visitors to the community. Is there a news story or a problem to solve that really needs telling locally? There will be a lot to do both in front and behind the camera.
All courses give everyone who takes part a chance to build their self confidence, meet different people and receive recognition for their work through a film premier, exhibition, sales achieved on the Upcycling to Sell course or a plan of action for your future from the Future Options course. People who have been involved in courses at People Matters in the past have often not done a course in years and can feel very uncertain about whether to take the step to get involved or not. All the tutors know this and are very welcoming and supportive. The benefits far outweigh the small concession based cost available to most of the people who take part. All costs can be paid in installments too if needed.
People Matters was established in 2002. Based locally in Holbeck on Croydon Street just off Domestic Street they are truly a local organisation putting it’s 250+ members first who come from across Leeds including South Leeds. As a social enterprise any money made is put straight back in to the organisation to support those that feel they need a little friendly support to move towards their goals, especially if they are newly involved or have to face challenges in their lives. The organisation is all about supporting people to take the steps forward through learning, volunteering and finding work. Much of their income comes from national grant funders and the local council.
Members support each other with staff co-ordinating and supporting activities too. From getting together socially, classes or support to live daily lives and get through big life changes there is lots going on. At the moment one group of members is starting a new business together making and selling snacks. They are doing this to make themselves more employable and want to involve more new people to get the business going. After being involved with People Matters others have moved on to doing a qualification elsewhere or had support to doing something like leave home or tackle the PIP assessment from DWP.
Each year the members hold an AGM and produce an annual report. For 2016 this was at the beginning of December at Holbeck Youth Centre and the report includes stories from members about what being involved has meant for them and the difference it has made in their lives.
For more information and to look at either the prospectus or the news from the 2016 report contact People Matters (Leeds) on 0113 234 6896; by visiting their website www.peoplemattersleeds.co.uk; email info@peoplemattersleeds.co.uk; or facebook.com/PeopleMattersLeeds
