Profiles – A Brighter Future

 

 

 

 

A Brighter Future Profiles

 

Kirsty left school at 14 with no qualifications then spent two years at college where she got E grades in her English, Maths & IT GCSE’s. 

 

When Barking & Dagenham Training Services told Kirsty about A Brighter Future she joined up, not really believing that people like her could produce such high quality pieces of jewellery.  She soon discovered that she had real talent and it wasn’t long before she sold her first piece, which was an emotional moment for her.

 

“I never believed that anyone would want to give me money for something that I had made”

 

Kirsty is now investing in her own jewellery-making tools and materials, with the intention of making and selling items to help support herself through college. ving support to improve his numeracy and literacy skills.

ately led to his involvement with A Brighter Future.

 

Suse attended school in Croydon and finished her studies in 2004.  She progressed from there to college where she completed an NVQ in Hairdressing, but realised she didn’t want to work in this industry on a long term basis.

 

Suse met the First Steps Team in Connexions in Croydon and through this became involved with A Brighter Future.  Being creative came naturally to her and she enjoyed using her skills to create earrings necklaces and bracelets, which sold quickly.

 

Albert was bullied at school and left before gaining any GCSEs.

 

He became one of the first people to join the First Steps Project in Croydon and through this A Brighter Future.  Learning the techniques of creating exclusive pieces of jewellery helped him to develop creative skills, confidence and attention to detail.

 

Charmaine was very popular at school, but for all the wrong reasons!  She was involved in fights, she played truant and caused so many problem in class that, at 15, she was asked to leave and take her GCSE’s at college.

 

While she was studying, she heard about A Brighter Future and decided to get involved.  When she found herself making jewellery from day one, Charmaine knew she’d made the right choice and had found something she really enjoyed.

 

“I feel totally equal to my peers because my intelligence isn’t measured on how well I can read & write.  Although I still struggle, I enjoy reading & writing about the things we do on A Brighter Future”

 

Charmaine is just about to finish her GCSE’s and feels that the increased concentration and motivation she’s developed through A Brighter Future has really improved her chance of getting good grades.  She wants to work with children from disadvantaged countries and sees jewellery-making as a skill she could use in this work.

 

After moving to England with her family, Senel was unable to find training or employment, so joined the First Steps Project in Croydon, who put her in touch with A Brighter Future.

 

In jewellery design, Senel discovered a talent she hadn’t realised she had, making a range of fascinating pieces that appeal to a wide variety of tastes and Senel’s pieces proved very popular at A Brighter Future exhibitions.  She loves having this outlet for her creativity and plans to continue making jewellery in the future.  She is currently helping to produce the pieces available for sale through A Brighter Future.

 

Sarah was painfully shy and dyslexic, which led to her being bullied at school.  When she finished she had no qualifications and not much hope for the future.

 

When Sarah joined A Brighter Future through Barking & Dagenham Training Services, she didn’t know what to expect, but was quickly making jewellery pieces which allowed her to explore her creativity and express her ideas.  She found that the confidence she gained through designing and making jewellery expanded into other areas of her life and the business skills she has learnt are completely transferable, so Sarah now feels very confident about her future.

 

“I feel very positive & inspired when I start a jewellery piece, because I know that I WILL see this project through to the end and I WILL get a result”

 

Tracey attended school in Croydon, left with good GCSEs and went on to college to gain AS qualifications.  After a year at College she decided that she wanted to work full-time and started trying to find a suitable job.

 

Tracey became involved with A Brighter Future, as a result of attending an open evening at Connexions in Croydon.  Like most people starting on the project, jewellery making was a skill that she was unaware she possessed, but was willing to give it a try.  She was really impressed by the pieces she was able to produce and pleased whenever her pieces sold.

 

Donna enrolled on an Art & Design course but left because she didn’t feel like she fitted in.

 

When she got involved with A Brighter Future, Donna found a place where she did fit and an opportunity to develop her creative skills and produce marketable goods.  Her pieces have proved to be very successful, with the items of jewellery she has produced selling quickly.

 

The programme has increased Donna’s confidence, morale and self belief and has inspired her to set up her own jewellery business.  She is currently planning and researching ready for the launch of her new business.