WEA in partnership with Wakefield District Sight Association
Dare to Dream
A training and mentoring programme to support development and progression
Overview
This pilot programme was developed in partnership with WDSA who acted as a steering group. The programme aimed to support up to 10 participants who had been identified by WDSA as needing support for personal development and progression. The Dare to Dream course formed part of a programme which would be developed in partnership with Yorkshire Mentoring. Each participant had access to the WEA course, to be followed by a weekly mentoring session of one hour. The mentors will be recruited from partner organisations, local businesses and WDAS clients.
WEA course
A drop-in session followed by a taster event helped to identify the topics that participants felt would meet their needs, to discuss their aspirations and answer any questions.
A 7-week course was delivered by tutor Jane Walton and held in St Andrews Church, Wakefield from May – July 2022. A 2 hour session was held each week and covered topics including:
Students
The 8 students who participated in and completed the course ranged from a university student to a retired ex-construction worker. Visual impairments ranged from partial sight to being blind. All students wanted to be supported to make positive steps in their personal journey. Five students were looking for employment, 2 for volunteering and 1 for self-employment. Ability to use ICT meant that Canvas could only be used by 1 student.
Outcomes
Each participant identified their personal learning outcomes for the course which they revisited after week 3 and at the end of the course. Most students wanted to build their confidence and progress to further training which was achieved by all as the WEA is considering a further course. Those students who were looking for work reviewed and revised their CV’s and all participated in a mock interview. All students developed and gave a presentation about a topic they had chosen which ranged from building a website to meditation techniques. The students also responded to the Wakefield bi-election by submitting questions to the future MP related to the needs of visually impaired people.
‘The course helped to improve my confidence, especially with the presentation.’
‘I really enjoyed the practical group e.g., interviews.’
‘The course helped with my research skills and has helped me progress towards my goal of finding a job.’
‘Greatly improved my confidence especially engaging in group discussions.’
‘The course improved my knowledge of recruitment and support and as a result I have secured 2 interviews.’
