Confidently You
The Confidently You programme aimed to reduce social isolation, build resilience, and boost confidence and self-esteem, while helping participants develop practical, financial, digital and employability skills.
Funded by the UKSPF Conwy Key Funds, the project combined workshops, mentoring, and "courageous" activities to support personal growth and social inclusion. Of the 89 participants who enrolled, all made significant strides in their development - 59 are now actively seeking employment.
Over the course of the year, 133 group sessions were delivered, with a total attendance of 1,037. This does not include the one-to-one mentoring that many participants received which covered job searching, interview preparation, as well as signposting to essential external services such as food banks, welfare rights, and benefits advice which was vital wraparound support in meeting participants' individual needs.
Wellbeing and Skills Development
Additional support from the UK Government’s UKSPF Multiply fund enabled a complementary Wellbeing and Skills Development project to run alongside Confidently You in early 2025. This three-month initiative focused on improving physical health while developing essential employability-related Maths skills, supporting 46 participants.
Participants took part in structured gym inductions led by the Ffit Conwy team, with many - particularly those managing health conditions - reporting increased physical fitness, greater confidence, and a renewed sense of motivation. Water confidence sessions, including pool-based exercise and lane swimming, also encouraged those with no prior swimming experience to safely use the pool, supported by staff and peers.
A Level 3 Bookkeeping Course, delivered in partnership with Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, covered both manual and Sage computerised bookkeeping. Creative sessions, including Geometric Art and Stitch Up sewing classes, allowed participants to explore artistic skills and upcycling techniques. This sparked interest in launching a small cottage industry, combining craft-making with peer-led workshops to share skills and experiences.
The combined impact of both projects has been far-reaching, with high attendance, strong progression outcomes, and inspiring personal stories emerging throughout. Artwork created during the Geometric Art and Stitch Up sessions will be showcased in an upcoming exhibition, celebrating the achievements and creativity of the participants.