Lifestyle for Work

For many, the barriers to work are complex, Lifestyle For Work primarily operates within the Learning and Development phase, by supporting the process of change, within the individual it can bring about engaged progression by that person on their journey into work.

The 1-2-1 support that Lifestyle For Work provides has been successful in building confidence, self efficiency and self-esteem for many, which has led to creating greater independence. Self efficiency for the individual is all important in the change process and is much more than self esteem.  It relates to the individual’s belief that a change in their life is possible and desirable, it leads to self empowerment and long term success and adherence; which in this instance means personal confidence and desire to work plus the inner commitment to ‘stick with it’.

Project Aims

Lifestyle For Work is a focused ‘Lifestyle Development Programme’ delivered in conjunction with a work placement/work experience scheme.

The programme provides each individual with personal lifestyle development, training, skills building, volunteer and work placement opportunities with the aim of removing the barriers to employment.

The project also includes a healthy lifestyle development course – a programme of self awareness and empowerment through the understanding of the elements of a healthy lifestyle thus supporting individual health improvement.

Project Objectives

• To be a ‘stepping stone’ that springboards individuals out of the spiral of unemployment and ill health.
• To provide the opportunity to gain additional skills and qualifications to enable personal development and support the individual through the employment progression model towards gaining employment.
• Targets the borough wards with the highest deprivation scores.

• Delivers Health Education Classes in an informal way in order to encourage participant interaction.

• To develop the ‘Four Seasons Garden Centre’ into a work placement site and self sustaining garden centre training centre.

How a referral is made:

Referrals can be made by post, fax or email to Stewart McGiffin.  To request the referral paperwork contact Stewart on 07793 794746.  Referrals can be emailed to stewart.mcgiffin@blackburn.gov.uk

12 week course structure

The project is based at the Four Season Garden Centre in Darwen and participants are expected to attend for a set amount of hours (usually 15hrs or 3 days) agreed with the project manager with opening times of between 9am and 3pm each day (Monday to Friday).

The project is open to anybody aged 16+ and is a borough resident.