The Suit Yourself initiative, a free ten-week course, was first created by Fran Shelley in 2002.
Its aim is to help local community members re-enter the workforce through sessions led by working women.
The goal is to offer participants the chance to develop their employability skills and confidence.
Lock: Wonderful to see women move on in their lives with confidence
Bobby Lock, Community Rail Manager for Isle of Wight Community Rail Partnership, shared the programme’s success. She said,
“On average, seven participants have returned to employment and three have entered further education for each course.”
She added that it is wonderful hearing the testimonies from women who have progressed through the course.
A warm and friendly learning experience
Course leaders Fran Shelley and Helen Blake create a warm and friendly learning experience.
The Community Rail partnership hopes to continue offering this for women in their communities.
Started in 2019
The programme celebrating its fifth year in 2023, starting on 18th January at Sandown Railway Station.
Topics covered include confidence building, listening skills, letter and CV writing.
Hovertravel’s involvement
Hovertravel partnered for the interview skills element and provided first-hand experience of working in their terminals and onboard their hovercraft.
The final session is a celebration meal at the Gaslight Community Café, where certificates and vouchers for work clothes are presented.
Supporters thanked
Bobby expressed gratitude for funding from South Western Railway, Southern Housing, Sovereign Housing, and Cross Country Trains.
She also thanked the Transport Partnership, Southern Vectis, and Wightlink for providing free transport.
Over the past two decades, The Isle of Wight Community Rail Partnership has raised well over a million pounds for community projects.
Image: brooke cagle under CC BY 2.0
