LifeWorks – Equipping You For The Journey – RBLI

Please take a look at this clip which illustrates a fantastic program that I have been involved in. You may just spot me making a guest appearance! Thanks Matt

Dartford 17th/18th April

A really enjoyable trip to Dartford (despite the horrible Weather).

I can honestly say, that I have never had a group that laughed so much together.    For me, humour plays a big part in life, make someone smile and you can go a long way.   This group (like most) were initially mostly negative and somewhat suspicious to why they were booked on this mandatory course?  The usual thing happened, some early people, some that turn up 5 minutes late and the occasional one that may come even later! (not going to mention the reason why )  The odd word of frustration came out like ‘I don’t want to be here’, ’this books going in my recycling’ etc

This is natural reaction in my view (and i might be the same, if in their shoes), firstly someone has told you to do something and change can be scary/difficult or both.

I did my usual and took a temperature check of how much they wanted to be attending (using 0-10 rating scale) as expected, I received a few zero’s and not one figure past 5…

Thankfully, as this course went on, humour started, people relaxed and realised they were not going to be threatened.  This resulted in the group genuinely enjoyed themselves,making new friends and also learning new things.  Thankfully, the second temperature check was much more positive.

This group achieved so many wonderful moments over the two days, including a fantastic role play of an interview by two of the more shy characters.  They both did brilliantly.

They all worked fantastically well together in all problem solving activities and I’m sure our trip to the Codfather Fish & Chip Shop would have been great fun, with plenty of laughs.

I wish them all the luck in the world, hopefully with improving interviews, setting up Gardening Businesses, enrolling in College Courses and Voluntary work etc.   I for one, know they can do it…..as I’ve seen the………….EVIDENCE!!

All the best

Matt

More Good News!

I received some wonderful news today.  A lady who attended my course in Chatham a few weeks ago, had an interview today and got the job.  Fantastic news and well deserved.

Dartford 20/21st March

I have just returned from a wonderful two days working with a fantastic bunch in Dartford. This group had a mix of characters and it worked well.

We had some lively discussions and individuals advised me of their personal job goals, which included Self Employed Gardener, Beauty Product Counter Assistant and Nursery Worker.  I would be confident that they could be a real success in these roles too.

I was amazed by this groups ability to remember the course material and especially one particular individual, who I was amazingly impressed with throughout.  He was engaging, funny and an absolute delight to share the room with.  In my opinion, he deserves all the success in the world.

We were also joined by an amazingly positive lady, who has experienced personal challenges and is on a journey to rebuild her life.  I’m sure that she will find her way, especially having witnessed her strength of character over the two days.  She made friends early on with my ‘resident smiley person’.  A very proud Nan, who lives for her family.  She enjoyed the course from start to finish and it’s a real privilege to have someone like that in a group.

There were a few quiet individuals who on occasions  found it quite hard to give themselves credit and often under estimated personal achievements. Personal credit  is something that I try to promote in my courses.   It’s often easier to see the strengths of others, but we may find it hard to do that for ourselves.  One was very brave to stand in front of the group and scribe information. Another did particularly well in the interview role play section of the course and aced the answers.    The remaining group members and I were quick to inform them of their individual qualities. They all have the abilities to meet personal challenges and I do hope the course helps them along the way.

My highlight of this course actually happened at lunchtime, when I heard some wonderful support and advice being offered between two members of the group.  To me, it’s what the course is about.  Relative strangers offering each other help and feeling comfortable to do this.

Overall, I really enjoyed meeting this group and I do wish them all the best for the future.

Matt

 

 

 

Ashford 15th/16th March

A bit late on the write up for this course.   My second in the space of 4 days, but an amazingly different course.

This course was full of interesting characters and a decent size group.    For me, two days does not feel long enough.   I feel that I can always spot potential and see the best in people, however it takes longer for some to see that in themselves.

I was joined by two ladies who seem to have made friends for life and who had both experienced major life changing events and have evidence of overcoming them.   We discussed finding employment being a ‘walk in the park’ compared to what they had previously gone through.  Hopefully, they can both focus on the areas discussed and work out short terms and long-term plans to make outside commitments easier.

Sometimes, putting yourself down can become a habit and also a way of protection.  One particular individual challenged and puzzled me throughout.  He showed glimpses of real talent, but constantly put himself down.  He arrived late and advised me ‘that he is always late’, something we established later wasn’t quite true!  I really hope that he does give himself the chance, as I could see what he was truly capable of. The tattoo shop may seem like a dream, but he has 40 years to try to reach it!  In attendance was a young lady who also lives at home with her family.  A person of very few words, who seemed more comfortable talking outside of the group.   Obviously, very intelligent and talented, again I hope she realises how great she can be.

A familiar face, turned up for day two.  An amazingly positive young lady, who could only attend day one of last months course.  She amazed me with her abilities to remember many details of the previous course from over a month ago.   It showed how someone can retain information and use it, providing it has some value.

Overall, this course was a positive challenge and the delegates left with some plans.  I do hope that they follow them up, because I for one know that they are capable of doing it.

I wish them all the best in the future.

 

I received this comment on my Facebook thread and was given permission to display it on my site.  Congratulations Fran, I’m sure you will be great.  More evidence that shows when someone really wants to do something enough and it’s possible, they can do it.

Thats fab Matt, I’m sure you will do really well at it.  You so inspired me to look for a new career when I saw you when the DWP sent me off to your company a few years ago.  I dont know if you remember but we talked about Dog Behaviourist but it was too costly.  I took a job as a Court Manager (Warden assisted flats) but my Lupus flared up & I stopped…..a few things happened since & because of the confidence you helped me get I’ve trusted my instinct & now have my own Pet Sitting/Dog Walking company. Woohoo!! Thanks Matt

Chatham 13/14th March

I have just returned from a really enjoyable course in Chatham.   If i had one word to describe this course, it would be ‘courage’

One of the largest groups that I have ever worked with.    This was a real challenge for me, but also the group to ensure that everyone was involved and able to feel welcome to express themselves.   Sometimes, smaller groups are more relaxed, but on this occasion this group worked wonderfully together.

There was a number of ‘firsts’ that happened too.   1/ a practical problem solving task was completed with only 2 clues and not 3!  2/ the group changed seats on day 2!  (we are usually creatures of habit, but this group took it upon themselves to move around).  I was pleased to see this.

This course demonstrated to me the true benefits of people being able to express themselves in a comfortable and welcoming environment.  Throughout the two days it was evident that many of the delegates had been faced with life changing situations in their past, ie.  health, relationships and loss.   Change can be very tough for someone to handle.   It may be planned or could be forced upon us.   Either way it will be a challenge that should make us stronger for experiencing it.

We talked about celebrating the small successes in life and of course my favorite word ………’evidence’.    The group realised that not only are they great now, but they can be great in the future.    My highlight was to see that they realised this.

I also saw contact details being shared at the end of the day.   Rewind to the beginning of the course and they were complete strangers, who sat it silence! It just goes to show that surrounding yourself with positive people, will result in a positive experience.   For those people who want to change, but may have negative people throwing up negative things to burst the bubble……….maybe ask yourself ‘why are they doing it?‘ is it because they may be scared themselves or the idea about you changing scares them?!!  Either way, don’t let it stop you……as long as it matters.  You may also end up inspiring someone else to think differently…..

I wish them all the best of the luck in the future and really do hope that the ideas they discussed will be pursued.   I’m also hoping that our ‘proof reader’ won’t be checking this for grammar!

Good luck

Matt

Mr Matt “A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are.”You are not my friend, but you helped me more than a friend and I want to thank you;not because of your job, as a human being to understand us.

a lovely quote given to me from one of my clients.  if I had a mission statement, this would be it.

Tunbridge Wells 5th – 6th March

My second journey to Tunbridge Wells was an interesting experience….

Having experience what could be best described as a hideous commute previously, I decided to learn from my experience and try another train route.    This involved a bus ride, plus train and I can thankfully report a resounding success.

When I arrived at the venue, I experienced my next challenge……..the venue had not been booked!  Thankfully arrangements were made to find an alternative room in the building and then to transfer to another on day two.    If i could describe this course in a sentence, it would be this facing and embracing change.    We worked in 3 different offices over 2 days and the delegates really did push their own comfort zones on many occasions.

The excitement had started early for the 5 delegates and I appreciated that they were able to positively embrace the slightly challenging start.

This course was a memorable one for other reasons too.  Most importantly, the variety of characters attending made for an excellent atmosphere.

I was joined by a non-stop smiling chap who throughout the course embraced the practical activities and worked very hard to try all the written activities.  He is celebrating his birthday today with an overnight trip to the hospital, but you won’t hear him moaning.  His positive outlook was refreshing to be around.

There was another chap who initially was a little wary of the course and its potential content.  Thankfully, once he got use to me and the people attending with him, he really enjoyed himself.  He appreciated the opportunity to do something different and just get out the house.  He advised me at the start of day two that ‘he felt great going home the previous evening, as he had done something with his day’.   Hopefully he can continue to work hard and enjoy more days like the two he has just had.

Sometimes, I am absolutely amazed by the people who attend my courses and often ask myself how they have ended up where they are?  One particular lady made me ask that question again.    Her dream is to become a Beauty Therapist, but the idea of success/failure has held her back.  Throughout the two days she continuously surprised herself and was also consistently writing positive notes to utilise when she returns home.   I see absolutely no reason why someone like her could not achieve her dreams, especially with up to 40 years work left in her!

I was also joined by a very proud Nan, who admittedly spends a great deal of time ensuring that everyone else is comfortable and looked after…..sometimes to the detriment of herself.   She did amazingly well in the interview role play and i sincerely hope that she pursues a career in care work.  I have also challenged her to learn computer basics and hope to receive an email from her in the future..

Finally, a smiley chap who is extremely interested in all things train related.  Throughout the course he was offering a really humorous outlook and also found himself excelling in the practical activities. I’ll forgive him for the Liverpool shirt he wore on day two!

Overall it was a pleasure to spend the two days with a lovely bunch and I wish them all the best in the future.

Matt

Dartford 22nd/23rd February

My first trip to Dartford in many years and it was definitely worth the wait.   It all started really well when a kind lady accessed the internet and gave me directions to the office.

It was great to meet some familiar faces and some new ones in the Dartford office and could instantly feel a positive atmosphere.  I’m pleased they had Milk too

We had a really diverse group too.  Instantly it became apparent that we had some very intelligent and knowledgeable people in attendance.

The conversation ranged from Archery, ancient Rock Art to meeting the Queen!   Some very quiet characters and some more outwardly confident ones too.

Sometimes, just making it into a course can be a real challenge.  For two people in particular on day one, the course instantly made them consider areas that are quite tough for them and to make any changes you must feel ready.  I credit them for attending and do wish them all the best.

Day two was an amazing day for me.    A young, lovely smiley lady, who attended the course to help with confidence issues instantly pushed her comfort zones and completed yesterdays challenge on her own!  A real achievement as she had not touched it the day before.   Throughout the day she would amaze me and more importantly herself.  Especially with the interview role play, in which she was fantastic!  I wish her all the best for her Volunteer work that she starts today and consider the course to be perfect preparation.

We were also joined by a wonderfully artistic lady who thrives on creativity.  Understandably, she has some personal challenges and can be very hard on herself.  I hope that she remembers the fantastic feedback from the group and what she achieved by making new friends and talking.  I was also amazed by her wonderful aptitude for communicating her thoughts and encouraging others.   I have no doubt, with short-term goals, support and planning that she can find that job to inspire her creativity and therefore offer a greater quality of life.  The creative, colorful mind map in the picture is her handywork.

At the beginning of day two, I also had a great music chat with my sole remaining male.  A quiet man, but a wise man, who when he talked, everyone listened intently.  Throughout the two days, I kept getting a caring vibe from him and he did mention that he might enjoy working with the elderly. (something to consider)   He also enjoyed the experience of meeting new people and has gone away feeling refreshed.

Finally two bubbly smiley ladies.   One who instantly became a real lively and supportive character for the group.  Actively attending interviews.  I have no doubt that she will be in employment too.  I was amazingly impressed by her throughout and she gave it everything. Full of knowledge and enthusiasm, I just hope she works with people.

We also had our facilitator.  The person who always cares about others first and sometimes forgets their own needs. Throughout the two days, she was an absolute legend.   Facing personal challenges and receiving wonderful feedback.  Definitely suited to her career choice of working with Children.  I hope she takes the advice to go and study and find a volunteer placement.

I wish them all the best in the future and thank them for a great two days.

Matt