Is vision for you...or someone you know?

The Vision programme at WCM began in September with a sense of optimism and pride; pride for the quality of the programme and optimism from all the participants in the group including myself. Vision is a 10 week life skills course delivered in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, utilizing a safe, comfortable space and a non-judgemental policy. We encourage the feeling of ‘having a coffee with friends’ , safe in the knowledge that they are able to discuss whatever they wish to , secure in the knowledge that they are in a confidential environment .

Vision looks at life style choices as well as life skills, identifying pitfalls and opportunities as well as how to access help. We began with discussing health and wellbeing, the watch words being ‘the good, the bad and the ugly in the context of food and drink. That was a lively sessions which saw us share ideas on how to make our favourite dishes healthier (it’s not just the Hairy Dieters who can figure that one out!).

We aim to signpost on to other agencies as well as highlighting the many forms of support available at Women’s Community Matters. For a small area we are very well provided for, over 400 organisations operate in the Barrow area, offering services from practical support to free play schemes. Hand in hand with Women’s Community Matters ethos, the Vision programme offers other life style choices such as becoming involved in their community and accessing healthcare , dentistry being a major concern in our area .

The Vision programme can be accessed at any point in the 10 week rolling programme and can be used by a variety of different agencies who refer in to us. At the moment I am working hard to raise the profile of the course in the local area, it being a free to access course, I hope will engaged many of the relevant agencies. Who would not like a free resource?!

The feedback so far has been positive and I’m pleased to say the women on the course seem to be making good connections with each other and are comfortable enough to talk freely. I am confident that one of the participants has the potential to progress to peer mentoring which would such an achievement, both for the individual and the programme.

I am enjoying delivering the programme and engaging with our clients, promoting all our fabulous services and working with an amazing team. I do feel I have been fortunate to land the perfect role and am very much looking forward to continuing to develop the programme to meet the needs of women in the Barrow in Furness area.

Rachael Hoggarth   Project Worker