Discover Opportunities

Case Studies

The case studies on this page show how the staff within the Discover Opportunities Centre have worked together to provide their clients with a diverse range of services, which have helped them into training and employment.

 Mubshra's Success

Mubshra came from Pakistan to live in Scotland 10 years ago and although her English is good, she felt very isolated because of cultural differences. She wanted to work in accountancy but wasn't sure how to go about it until she met Nidhi Sharma from Working for Families. Together they identified the key areas they needed to work on if Mubushra was to achieve her goal of working in accountancy, these included improving her computer/office skills, improving her confidence and getting work experience. Within one year Mubushra completed her ECDL certificate, an administration course, taster sessions and a confidence building course through a combination of Dundee College and Working for Families. She then enrolled for an HNC in Accountancy which she has since completed and is currently gaining work experience volunteering for Dundee's Credit Union.

Mubshra was recently awarded an Adult Learning Award in Edinburgh for her outstanding achievements and hopes her story will inspire other Asian women to discover learning.

 

 Mubshra & Nidhi Photo

Ashley 3

Ashley's receives her gift from Santa

Ashley's Story

Ashley came into contact with Working Towards Health in May 2008, when she attended a Lone Parents information session organised by Jobcentre Plus. The Working Towards Health team was delivering a presentation at this event. Ashley expressed an interest in the programme as she was experiencing health problems which were preventing her moving on with her life.

She undertook an assessment interview and began working with a Health Practitioner at the Discover Opportunities Centre, where she worked on addressing a number of the health barriers she was experiencing. Following this Ashley felt ready to explore the options available to her and was referred onto the Working for Families project also based within the Discover Opportunities Centre, as they are able to provide childcare support to allow her to undertake courses and access training opportunities.

Ashley subsequently undertook a 6 week Lone Parent course which allowed her to develop skills and enhance her confidence with regard to finding suitable employment. She then started another training course funded by Discover Opportunities designed to give her the qualifications she needs to pursue her chosen career. As a result she is due to start work early in the new year.

She continues to receive support from both Working Towards Health and Working for Families.

 

Fiona's Story

Fiona first came into contact with the Working for Families project when she was starting to look for work after bringing up her four children. Her worker Sheila Paulin was able to get Fiona emergency funding from Welfare Rights when she had a crisis with her tax credits and this allowed her to continue on a get ready for work course she was attending at the time. Fiona then enrolled on a STEPS course run by the Volunteer Centre, which motivated her to achieve her goal of starting work and she also undertook an ECDL course to brush up her computing skills. The Job Centre secured a work trial for Fiona at a care home and this has now led to a part time job that fits in with her childcare responsibilities.

This success can be attributed to Fiona's determination to overcome the barriers that had prevented her from working and this was complimented by the continual support of her Working for Families worker, who was able to signpost her to the services she required on her journey towards employment.

Anne's Story

Anne was a single parent with 2 young children. She had depression that had been preventing her from working and had been claiming Incapacity Benefit for 3 years. Anne began attending regular sessions with a Working Towards Health Practitioner who used various approaches that enabled her to increase her understanding of her health condition, manage it better herself and to focus on her skills and strengths. This led to improved motivation and increased confidence and self worth. After 6 months Anne was ready to look for work and the Dundee Employability Action Team found her a part-time job as an Administrator and arranged for Working for Families to pay deposits so her children could enrol in a nursery.

Mary

Mary wanted to work but thought she didn't have any skills and so her confidence was fairly low. An advisor from the Discover Opportunities Centre arranged for Mary to attend a 2 hour session on interview skills and CV writing. The advisor then encouraged Mary to apply for a few jobs and advised her about completing the application forms. As a result of this Mary was able to attend the interviews feeling confident and positive and managed to secure a job as a Customer Service Representative in a Call Centre.

Stephen's Story

Stephen was 47 years old and living with his parents. Due to a physical illness he had been unable to work and was in receipt of Incapacity Benefit for 3 years. Stephen attended sessions with the Health Practitioner, who used various approaches to give Stephen a better understanding of his condition. This increased Stephen's self-esteem and confidence in terms of managing his health and prompted him to re-evaluate his goals. Stephen decided he might like to work to work in a caring role so the Dundee Employability Action Team arranged for him to attend the Healthcare Academy, which led to a job as a Ward Assistant in Ninewells Hospital.