Wellbeing support for residents in Stockport and Tameside

Background

Groundwork Greater Manchester have been engaging residents in Stockport and Tameside who are currently not in employment to improve their wellbeing. Through a series of 1-2-1 support sessions and wellbeing activities, we’re working to reduce social isolation, improve peoples wellbeing and help them to make positive progressions towards their goals.

Our Impact So Far

Since January, we have engaged over 200 residents in Stockport and Tameside, many of whom were not receiving any support beforehand. Sessions have been a mixture of offering 1-2-1 support with our employment coaches, and group activities such as cooking, sustainable crafts, flower arranging and learning digital skills. Activities are tailored to what skills people would like to learn and develop, and we have designed a specialised programme for those aged 50+.

Stephen’s story

Stephen is a veteran who after leaving the military in 1998, became self employed running a catering business inside a pub. His business ended during Covid, and this had a knock-on effect on his mental health. He reached out to the employment team at Groundwork for support with his motivation and confidence, and expressed an interest in volunteering his time and expertise to help others learn how to cook. Stephen attended 1-2-1 support sessions with his key worker at Groundwork to overcome these barriers, and he also started attending a veterans café in Ashton. He had a real breakthrough with his confidence, and Stephen is now leading on the Support to Succeed cooking sessions to help others learn how to cook.

Click below to find out how the sessions have improved Stepehen’s mental health

Jamie’s Story

Jamie was being supported for alcohol recovery at Change Grow Live when he met Sam, an Employment Coach at Groundwork Greater Manchester at a recovery café coffee morning in Tameside. Jamie expressed an interest in becoming a peer support for people who were struggling with their mental health and in alcohol recovery, but he wasn’t sure where to start.
Sam began meeting Jamie on a regular basis to help him find some voluntary work. They also did sessions focusing on meditation and mindfulness to help with Jamie’s anxiety.
Jamie is now nearing the end of his training at Change Grow Live, where he has since become an Alcohol Recovery Champion, supporting other people on their journey in recovery. He has also been working with Mind, who have given him his own case load of people to support. Jamie is hoping this will lead on to paid employment in the near future.

Stacey’s Story

Stacey was referred to Groundwork by Change Grow Live to do some educational training and improve her overall wellbeing, with a particular focus on stress management. Since engaging with her employment coach Sam, Stacey has been working on mindfulness and how she copes with stress. She has also enrolled into college to retake her GCSEs, and has found a new home in Salford, where she is living and working in her accommodation building.

“Stacey’s confidence and overall wellbeing has improved greatly since she was first referred to us.”

Andy’s Story

The Working Wardrobe team have been delivering sewing workshops in Stockport to equip people with the right skills to upcycle their own clothes and prevent textile waste.

Andy started attending these sessions in July because he wanted to learn the basics of sewing and continue developing his skills after retiring from work, and was eager to learn skills related to his interest in sustainability. He has since been repairing his old clothes by replacing buttons and patching up holes, and has said that the weekly sessions have helped to keep him in a routine that improves his wellbeing. He is now taking part in other sessions and feels more connected to the community.

Stephen’s Story

Stephen started working with Ann, an Employment Coach at Groundwork in April when he expressed an interest in returning to work. He felt he lacked confidence when looking for work and seeked guidance from Ann to help him pursue employment.

Stephen attended employability coaching sessions, whilst also completing a Level 1 Health and Safety in the Construction Environment qualification to gain new skills. He joined the Working Wardrobe team for a styling session where he picked out a new suit and practiced interview techniques to help build his confidence. Stephen is now sharing his CV with employers.

Employment Support

Those who are progressing towards employment goals are also referred to the Working Wardrobe service. The service allows people to pick out clothing for an upcoming job interview, with the option to also create a capsule wardrobe when they get the job. After an outfit has been selected the clients will receive intensive 1-2-1 interview coaching from our employment specialists to help build their knowledge, confidence and techniques for interview success. The team will work with them to match their skills and experience to the job description, and complete mock interviews to boost their self-belief and ability to answer questions effectively.

This programme is made possible thanks to support from The Growth Company, Greater Manchester Combined Authority and the UK Government.