Corby workshops to boost women back into world of work

A series of workshops aimed at boosting the confidence of women returning to work after a career break or unemployment have been rescheduled to start next week.

The course, Stand Up for New Starts, managed by The Core at Corby Cube with funding from the Tampon Tax Community Fund, will be online and totally free of charge.

Beginning on Tuesday, March 23, the course will use a mix of theatre, stand-up comedy and performance techniques to help women get ready for new starts - whether that’s job interviews, starting a new venture or returning to the workplace.

The course offers the time and space to focus on building confidence, communicating ideas and problem solving through fun-filled weekly sessions.

Jo Gordon, chief executive of Northamptonshire Arts Management Trust, said: “We are delighted to be supported by Northamptonshire Community Foundation and the Tampon Tax Fund to be running this brilliant opportunity for women returning to the workplace.

"As we turn the corner out of the pandemic, there will be a whole world of upheaval to be navigated through particularly for women and young mothers who are likely to be most affected. We are using creative skills to instill confidence and offer support to help women get back on their feet and back into the workplace”.

The Core will host Stand Up for New Starts as a six-session course, with confidence-boosting lessons including breathing techniques, body language, communication and leadership skills for women who are looking to get back to the workplace after full-time caregiving or a period of unemployment.

Stand Up for New Starts is open to all women over 16 and will be run at 11am on Tuesdays and Thursdays (avoiding Easter holidays) on Zoom.

A spokesman for the Core said: "Whether you’re nearing the end of maternity leave; thinking about employment for the first time as your children get older; looking for new opportunities after redundancy or simply getting ready for new challenges, the sessions will help you identify and transfer all your existing skills with a refreshed outlook of how to succeed."

The course programme will be as follows:

Tuesday, March 23 – Teamwork and Communication Skills

Thursday, March 25 – Breathing & Relaxation

Tuesday, April 13 – Body language, Movement and Non-Verbal Communication

Thursday, April 15 – Presentation & Communication

Tuesday, April 20 – Leadership skills

Thursday, April 22 – Creative thinking/Improvisation

To register for a place on the free course click here.