‘Retrain Rejuvenate and Return to work’
by Cathriona Murphy
Within each and every one of us, we hold the potential to become the best versions of ourselves. However sometimes life takes us down roads that leave us feeling defeated, uninspired and full of self-doubt. This is something that Dee Keogh, development officer at NEWKD, noticed regularly amongst women whom she met through her support services. Recognising that in front of her stood women who fought battles no one knew about but persevered raising families, she knew something had to be done. She could look beneath the exterior and see the potential waiting to come through.
The Women’s Returner group was developed by Dee and piloted with the delivery by Margaret Brick of Connect Kerry. A course specifically targeting women who have reached a cross road in life and feel like there is no way forward, each week out of the six is specifically designed to motivate, nurture and support. With the inclusion of guest speakers ranging from career advisors, motivational coaches it works to guide the women into a career direction and help them achieve it through work experience, education and practical assistance.
Ann is a lady who recently participated, she has spent all of her life hairdressing and knew she needed a change. “Originally I was apprehensive about doing this course as I have been out of education for many years. Following a phone conversation with Dee I was convinced. From the first morning it was a pleasure and I found Margaret and the variety of guest speakers to be so encouraging and informative that I feel now I am ready to begin my new journey and embrace the next chapter of my life” Ann’s words echo the sentiments of Marion whom also completed the course. “I was so happy I went with it and really enjoyed it. Now I have an idea where I want to go in life and I finally feel motivated to do so”.
Course facilitator Margaret Brick says ‘ it was a pleasure to work with these wonderful ladies over the duration of the course, arriving on zoom from totally different backgrounds each lady had one thing in common, finding a new path for themselves in the work force, retraining and redeveloping themselves to meet the changes in our world. It gave me great satisfaction to watch these ladies find a ‘new me’ and to nurture that new person unveil skills they didn’t know they had. Giving them the encouragement to take the step and try something new was wonderful, I wish them every success as they go forward and find new paths in life.
The course is also particularly helpful for women who have enjoyed career success but with the current climate may have to adapt and are unsure where their place in the employment market lies. Sabina is one such lady, having enjoyed success in the tourism industry she found her working life suddenly full of uncertainty due to covid. “The course was fabulous. I learned so much about myself and what I do not want to do and what I have to stop doing. I am cutting things out and saying no to things that do not serve me. Mags put a great content together, all speakers were exceptional. I got a lot of information and have a plan now which is brilliant.”
From the first session each woman started with nervous uncertainty. By the last day the enthusiasm and sense of excited anticipation of what was ahead for them shone through. By helping them uncover the self-confidence and self-belief they had but just needed to find, The Women’s Returners is here to change lives.
