Unlocking doors to employment for women overcoming multiple disadvantage

We are Gifted Women, the charity dedicated to supporting women who are rebuilding their lives after substance misuse, homelessness and contact with the criminal justice system, with fresh starts and pathways into the world of work. We believe every woman is gifted with a wealth of skills and life experience to offer the workplace, and can shine with the right opportunities.

“Since I have been working again, I have found that I look forward to waking up in the morning.”

Gifted Woman

Good news for Gifted Women

Watch our BBC Spotlight feature where we shared the good news about our National lottery funding. Our founder Jenny Adjene shares what this means for our charity, and Annie, a gifted woman tells viewers how our employability programme has impacted on her life.

What is Gifted Women?

Gifted Women is registered charity supporting women in the Tavistock and Plymouth areas with getting into work. We exist for women who ordinarily feel very far from being able to access employment. Women may have had adverse life experiences and experienced trauma, resulting in barriers such as substance misuse, contact with the criminal justice system, removal of children into care and homelessness. We seek to support women who have experienced multiple disadvantage to break the cycle and empower them to achieve their goals. We run an employability group work programme with work experience placements in local business, 1:1 support, peer mentoring and help with finding jobs or getting onto courses.

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The Gifted Women

programme

  • A weekly social group for our community to work up to our employability programme, build routine and life skills, and socialise with other women.

  • 12 week group work employability programme, building self esteem, aspirations and equipping women for the workplace.

  • Work experience placements in local businesses, enabling women to put their learning into practice, gain invaluable experience and be part of a team.

  • 1:1 mentoring and support personalised according to each woman’s individual gifts and goals, to help break barriers to employment.

  • Support in securing and sustaining employment upon graduating the Gifted Women programme.

  • Why is Gifted Women needed?

    There are many women who feel stuck in a cycle of gender based violence and exploitation, substance use, mental ill health, homelessness and contact with the criminal justice system, also known as ‘multiple disadvantage’. Women who experience multiple disadvantage can be amongst the most vulnerable in our society, and often feel very excluded from the world of work.

    We believe that employment is one of the ways women can take their power back, so they can start building the life they want.

  • What makes us different?

    Understanding that every woman is unique and a whole person not to be defined by the challenges they face, is a core value we hold firm. Our approach is unique because it recognises that women all have their own gifts and talents, hopes and dreams, and challenges to overcome. We seek to journey with women at their own pace as they build themselves up for employment, and that process can look different for every woman.

  • Why is employability important?

    Women we work with often tell us they feel like they are ‘a burden on society’ and are treated as such. We want to change this narrative and give women the opportunity to see that they have so much to offer, and that they can be financially independent. Our work has shown us that employment can be a key factor in rehabilitation, helping with self esteem, purpose and routine. Our employer partners tell us that women who come through our programme are loyal, hard working and valued members of their workforce.

In women’s words:

“I needed the project to help me get out of the house and mix in with other people. The Gifted Women project let me find myself again and actually gave me a chance to prove to myself I am a good person.

The group work was helpful in so many ways. It brought so many emotions out and made me realise I can be part of a team and to be independent.

The work placement was so helpful. I learnt things quickly and the staff were always on hand to help me if I needed and never got stressed with my questions or mistakes.

Now that I am working I feel I am part of something and I am proud of myself that I can actually work again and to a good standard. All the staff are amazing and it’s such an amazing place to work and I just want to say thank you for the opportunity and for taking a chance on me.

Generously Funded by:

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