client case studies

Fresh Steps - A programme for mature workers - continued

The Springboard Journey

Yvonne has been licensed to deliver the Springboard Programme for women since 2004. These are her experiences of delivering Fresh Steps:
"Some of our officers have been in the service for over 30 years and find themselves wondering about their next move. Fresh Steps gives them the opportunity to consider where they are, where they want to go, and how to get there - it really is a fantastic way to help people think positively about their future."

Wilma, from the University of Central Lancashire has a more personal story to share:
"As a potential candidate for Fresh Steps I attended a 'taster' for the programme. I found working with a group of peers my age to be a very powerful experience. The process of thinking about all that we had achieved in our lives, the challenges we had faced and experiences we had lived through really empowered us as a group to think positively and proactively about our futures." She continued, "I was so inspired by the programme that I am now licensed to deliver it within the University - I ran my 6th programme last November and continually get a real mix of participants in terms of both gender and professions."

Fresh Steps - The Results

Yvonne shared some of the outcomes they had witnessed at Suffolk Police:
"Fresh Steps has enabled people to transform the way they look at their lives - both personally and professionally. Motivation and enthusiasm is revitalised, and many have told us that they feel more in control." She added, "Another important benefit is how they see themselves: after this programme they can see how experientially rich they are and how much they have to offer the police service. Participants are also far more
likely to achieve their goals when they are more confident in themselves and positive about
their abilities."

Parul added:
"The single biggest achievement was the confidence people gained to do new things and approach work and life differently. People gained so much self-awareness by having time out to think about themselves. The networking was also crucial - it facilitated a support network of peers from widely differing areas of the University."

Wilma also mentioned the benefits of networking: attendees coming from both academic and non-academic roles had formed an action learning group after the programme. She continued:
"I've had some extremely positive feedback from the Fresh Steps programme with people describing the whole experience as energising and inspiring. Also, having the time out to reflect on where they are right now, and where this path is taking them has been hugely beneficial. Some of the participants have applied for new jobs, whilst others have adapted their work/life balance. Ultimately, people who attended Fresh Steps gained confidence, clarity and a fresh perspective on their futures."

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