Crafting Confidence: Tackling Unemployment Through Woodwork

Futures have been working in partnership with Bassetlaw Food Bank to deliver a woodwork programme to the unemployed through a programme we deliver called Transform Your Future.

Through Transform Your Future we offer solutions for people facing personal barriers to employment. Delivered across various Nottinghamshire districts and boroughs, this fully-funded programme is specifically designed to help adults who are unemployed and feel disconnected from the job market. By providing a supportive, gentle approach to job searching, gaining qualifications, developing life skills, and building confidence, we help individuals overcome these obstacles and take their first steps toward a brighter future.

Crafting a path to employment

While the skills learned in a woodworking programme are useful in practical trades, they also nurture soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and confidence. These transferable skills, along with the personal growth experienced in the group setting, play a critical role in preparing participants for the workforce and helping them overcome the barriers associated with long-term unemployment.

The importance of recognising invisible barriers

Returning to work after an extended period of unemployment can be incredibly challenging. According to recent UK statistics, individuals who have been out of work for over a year are more likely to face long-term barriers in securing employment, with many struggling to regain the confidence and skills needed to re-enter the job market. In fact, long-term unemployment can often result in a loss of motivation, increased isolation, and difficulty accessing opportunities due to issues such as mental health, lack of qualifications, or limited digital skills.

A prime example of the programme's impact is the Woodcraft group, run in partnership with Futures and Bassetlaw Food Bank. Participants in this group not only gain practical skills but also build friendships and develop a sense of pride through creative projects. Recently, the group designed a menu/napkin holder for the Hive café, where staff from BFB voted on their favourite design. Over the coming weeks, the group will be making more of the winning designs to be used in the café, contributing to both the community and their personal growth.

This programme has helped me learn new skills and mix with people of all different backgrounds and disabilities from different walks of life. It's helped with my mental attitude and gives me a reason to leave the house. It's a happy place to be at."

Futures is a great way to bring new people together, make friends, and create new experiences with each other. It helps people develop valuable qualities, provides training, and boosts confidence. Futures has helped me a lot."

I enjoy coming to woodwork because I feel it's a safe space for me to participate at a level that is comfortable for me. I enjoy coming because we are made to feel welcome, everyone is friendly, and they accommodate everyone’s quirks!"

Apply for Transform Your Future

"Futures is a great way to bring new people together, make friends, and create new experiences with each other. It helps people develop valuable qualities, provides training, and boosts confidence. Futures has helped me a lot—it’s given me the chance to meet people from different backgrounds, be more outgoing, and get creative in new ways by learning new skills. I’ve enjoyed every part of it; it’s been varied and rewarding. Plus, I’ve learned a lot while sharing biscuits and a cuppa! The group sessions have been so much fun."

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