Developing You – a pre-employment support course is starting in Holbeck in the last week of September.
Developing You is a free, ten-week course which aims to help people become happier, healthier and move closer towards employment.
It gives customers the opportunity to learn about themselves and the next steps that are right for them.
Developing You will provide customers with an introduction to lots of ways to manage day-to-day life, customers will improve self-awareness, set goals and take part in activities which manage stress.
Along with sessions on looking for and finding a job, there are sessions with local employment and health support providers, access to volunteering opportunities and job opportunities which include jobs in the care sector.
To participate, a customer must be unemployed and of working age (19-64). The course does not affect benefits and the jobcentre encourages attendance.
Mike is from Beeston and completed Developing You in May 2021. He has been living with mental health issues for a long time and recognised the importance of keeping himself busy. The course introduced him to new people, provided him with ways of coping with stress and enabled him to continue his search for employment, all at the same time.
“I know how important it is to look after myself, when lockdown started I was very worried because I knew I needed to keep busy. The course seemed to cover everything I needed with both health and wellbeing, and employability, so I filled in the form.”
Mike found the “5 Ways to Wellness” particularly helpful and reassuring. The sessions helped with building connections, supported him to become more active and he learnt skills.
After completing Developing You in May, Mike was referred to Leeds Employment Hub, a free job-support service from Leeds City Council, where he is now working with his own advisor to find a job. He’s also now involved in volunteering work whilst he continues his job search.
“I have learnt a lot of new things from both these services – Developing You made me determined not to stop my search for employment after finishing the course, I want to keep it up”.
“The course was more than just lessons; I was able to get extra support from my tutor to finish and the enrolment staff were really helpful when I signed up. This has helped keep me going in my search for a job.”
A face to face course will be starting in the last week of September at St Matthew’s Community Centre in Holbeck
Need more information? Visit this link: bit.ly/DYoverview
For help enrolling – Ring (0113) 378 4576 or Email esleeds@leeds.gov.uk
Leeds Employment Hub offers job-searching support if you are unemployed and need help. Call us on (0113) 378 4576, email us at esleeds@leeds.gov.uk or message us on Facebook or Twitter at @eandsleeds. You can also visit our website employmentskillsleeds.co.uk or join our weekly emails to have vacancies sent straight to your inbox at bit.ly/eandsleedsemail.
