Humble beginnings
An adult learner at Rhodesia Children’s Centre is starting to turn her new-found skills into a profitable hobby – thanks to training delivered by North Notts College in partnership with Nottinghamshire County Council (ACLS) and is a good example of how partnership working delivers for the community.
Carrie originally started to attend the centre when her daughter Naysa was born and then even more after tragically losing her husband in September 2011 and having to give up work.
Encouraged by other parents at the Centre, Carrie joined one of the North Notts College crafts courses and discovered her love of making jewellery. Carrie stressed how vital it has been for her to have a crèche running alongside the courses so she has been able to attend without the added pressure of having to try and organise childcare.
Since doing the Jewellery course Carrie has found that, socially, it has brought her and the other learners closer, and strong bonds have developed. She has had offers of help and support from other parents and staff at the Centre. They share skills, ideas and parenting tips and have recently started to pass on clothes and toys etc. to each other that their Children have outgrown.
Carrie, who now works part time from home, is planning to attend an advanced Jewellery course that is being delivered in the near future at the Children’s Centre and is hoping to turn these new skills into a profitable hobby – selling at local events and online.
Carrie is pictured receiving her award from Melanie Hancock, tutor and Community Manager.
