People with big career plans are being given the help and support they need from a Newcastle charity.
Reviving The Heart of the West End (RHWE) helps people to find jobs, take part in education and training opportunities and helps them to start a business or become self-employed.
They provide support to people who want to explore their passion, skills, and knowledge to identify their personal and professional goals.
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RHWE aims to see people in jobs they love, be their own boss, or employing more people as a result of their business growth.
RHWE Volunteer Champions are former learners who have stayed on to volunteer to support others.
Maeve Dawson, 28, an RHWE Volunteer Champion said: “During my time working with RHWE, I have gained more self-confidence within myself, as well as a sense of self-worth, that I am capable and have the skills to follow my passions.
“I’ve gained new friendships along the way with people in very similar situations to my own or with similar interests - making me feel less alone and isolated.
“Additionally the RHWE staff all go one step further to ensure people are taken care of and know what steps to take next.
“I did the STEPS course where I met many people and with some, we started a class on dealing with anxiety.
“I went to help myself and ended up not helping just myself but others too.”
Maeve suffered from the struggles of being in lockdown during Covid-19, and she felt depressed and hopeless. A work friend recommended RHWE and it helped her get back up and be confident.
“The training helped me recognise my way of thinking and now I can step out of my comfort zone and volunteer and reach out to great opportunities.”
Another RHWE Volunteer Champion Eman Yousef, 34, said: “I joined the RHWE programme after the first lockdown. I wanted to start my career and find the best route to follow.
“The team supported me to be more positive and have helped me to improve my self-esteem and confidence. I have met many lovely ladies who add more to me.
“This time last year I was not the same person, I have become more positive, confident in finding myself and I’ve gone from being a lonely mum to a confident lady."
In April 2021, Eman from Libya, started attending RHWE to build up her skills and confidence.
The full-time mum is now studying Level 3 Counselling and has received a job offer which starts in March.
She said: “RHWE supported me in doing a CV, filling in my job application, and how to prepare for my interview. I can’t express how grateful I am to them.
“I recommend anyone who feels lost or lonely to join as you make friends there and the staff, volunteers are very supportive.”
RHWE is committed to investing in the local community and has developed a number of initiatives including a community grant fund, scholarship, and youth enterprise programme.
Alexandra Johnson, chief executive of RHWE said: “We are seven staff of coaches and trainers and we support the local people in personal development through workshops.
“We help them navigate through introducing different activities. We are like cheerleaders in the background.
“The learners gain qualifications and many become learners to volunteers. The local people are in need of career guidance. We are very passionate about building up more women in the area to feel confident and have that ‘If I can do it, you can do it attitude.'”
RHWE can be contacted directly, and are open for referrals from the Job Centre or schools in the West End.
To find out more, visit www.rhwe.org or follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/rhweltd/
