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Joyce - Worksmart customer experience

Joyce Nantumbwe has been a Network Homes resident in Hertford for five years. Thanks to Worksmart she has gained the confidence to return to work after having children. 

Joyce has recently set up her own child-minding service as a result of the information, advice and guidance (IAG) support she received from the Network Homes Worksmart programme. Run by community charity

Joyce Nantumbwe - Network Homes resident.Groundwork Hertfordshire with funding from Network Homes, residents are able to access this support service free of charge.

In November 2016, Joyce attended a session with IAG adviser Sarah at the suggestion of Network Homes’ Welfare Advisor, Pauline Clarke.  They spoke about Joyce doing a CV writing to help showcase her new qualifications to potential employers.

After reflecting on her skills, it was clear to Joyce that she had the experience in child-minding and the qualifications she needed (a Level 6 in Educations Studies & Early Years) to run her own child-minding service.

Over the following weeks Sarah and her colleagues supported Joyce in her preparations, giving her the tools she needed to fully promote her services to parents. Sarah was able to source a grant for Joyce from Ancient Charities of Hertford. They gave her £200 to purchase a triple buggy so she can take the children to the park – one of the features that Joyce is proud to provide as part of “Joyce’s Child-Minding Service”.

Joyce said: “I knew I wanted to be a child-minder and I did all the necessary training a year ago, but I needed to get my CV up to date. I had done training and registered with Ofsted, and after speaking with Sarah I realised I wanted to be my own boss, but I was lacking confidence.”

“They helped me to design a parents’ brochure and organised some printing to save me money. Sarah has been amazing; she has boosted my confidence and helped me to apply for a grant towards the cost of setting up my business.”

Interested?

If you’re interested in access to our latest employment and training opportunities please contact our Worksmart team on 0300 373 3000 or email worksmart@networkhomes.org.uk.

Find out more about our training and employment service, opportunities and customer experiences:

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