Men’s Health Week

Men’s Health Week

Societal expectations can make men feel like they have to appear ‘strong’ and in control, but we are telling you right now there is no weakness in raising a hand and saying “I need help.” Asking for support is one of the bravest and empowering decisions you can make.

Here at Building Better Opportunities we work with people living in Stafford and South Staffordshire who are currently out-of-work. Our programme is all about breaking down barriers and learning to love yourself, so that you can live a healthier, happier and financially stable life.

As part of Men’s Health Week we wanted to shine a light on just some of the amazing men who have overcome their barriers with Building Better Opportunities Stafford and South Staffordshire…

David from Bilbrook, South Staffordshire

Former engineer David is an inspiration of a man. With the help of his wife, he literally pealed himself off the kitchen floor following a mental health breakdown and is now a shining example of how attitudes can change by investing time in yourself.
Read David’s full story by clicking here

“I constantly felt that I had let my family down and I was totally overwhelmed, even by small decisions like did I want a cup of tea!”

David, Bilbrook

John from Stafford

Overworked and debts spiraling, the father of three hit the bottle. The consequences were catastrophic with John losing his business, his long-term partner and facing prison before getting his life back on track.
Read John’s full story by clicking here

“It started with one drink at night but then escalated to one bottle a night. Everything was piling up…”

John from Stafford

Mark from Stafford

Battling with mental health issues day-in-day-out, Mark also has hearing difficulties and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). A bright and capable chap, Mark has overcome his barriers and is now working for the first time in 20 years.
Read Mark’s full story by clicking here

“The longer you’re unemployed, the more isolated you become and that voice in your head keeps telling you how worthless you are.”

Mark from Stafford

 

David from South Staffordshire

David has lived with learning difficulties and a speech impediment all his life. After 16 years employment, David was one of over 2,500 Remploy employees made redundant, as the doors were closed on factories across the UK. Despite the loss of a job he loved, David has by no means let his employment status affect his attitude.
Read David’s full story by clicking here

“I’ve made friends, I have people to talk to and I’m not alone.”

David from Bilbrook

Building Better Opportunities Stafford and South Staffordshire works those aged 18 and over, living in Stafford or South Staffordshire who are currently out-of-work or unemployed.

Our programme it’s completely free, meaning you’re able to focus 100% on improving your personal, financial and employability skills one step at a time.

Our programme is unique, in that we don’t have a one-size-fits-all approach. Each participant that joins us has their own unique story, their own barriers and their own fears. We work with each individual to identify their barriers and then work with them to establish a programme of activities that will support them to overcome these barriers and learn to love both themselves and their lives. This can be through a variety of services, support and training including:

• Financial support
• Transport, clothing and childcare assistance
• Debt management and money management
• Relaxation and mindfulness activities
• Nature and outdoor activities
• Animal assisted therapy
• Confidence and self-esteem workshops
• Housing and benefits advice
• Computer and ICT courses
• Career coaching (CV writing, interview techniques, development plans)
• Adult and Community learning courses (First Aid, Business Admin, Food Safety, Warehousing, Animal Care, Literacy & Numeracy, Welding, IT, Manual Handling, Health & Safety, Customer Service, and many more.)
• Self-employment and Business Start-Up Advice
• Healthy cooking and eating
• Work placements and voluntary work

All participants are also assigned a dedicated support worker, also known as advocate, who works closely with you to ensure you are fully supported every step of the way. It’s their job to get to know you and to support you throughout your journey with us.

To find out more about Building Better Opportunities Stafford and South Staffordshire call us on 01902 696 228, email bbostaffs@gmail.com or complete the green form below.