Developing skills
“ Learning in a group can offer a space for self-awareness, for building confidence and developing skills that then allow for a different perspective and often improved life chances. This process starts with parents realising that they are not alone; they hear other parents share similar issues and go on to plan their own individual route out of isolation.”
Linda, former tutor
Developing new skills is a proven path to wellbeing and to building self-confidence. 5 steps to mental wellbeing - NHS
When people have children at a young age they may feel that they have missed out on education. Some didn’t flourish at school and did not achieve as they could have, while others, seeing their children learning another language, computing or basic skills, believe that it is too late for them. They feel they have missed their chance.
Parents come to the Parent House looking to develop their skills for a variety of reasons: some want to learn how to help their children at school, others have ambitions for their futures or just want to learn something new for themselves.
Providing for their children takes a lot of parent’s time and resources, and they often have little time to focus on their own growth. We believe that, new skills learned together with others, not only help parents achieve personal goals, they also help them to remember who they are as individuals. Children, then, benefit from seeing their parents develop and change.
Aisha
Case Study: Aisha is the single parent of one child, she first arrived at The Parents House when she joined our Wellbeing Wednesdays in March 2023, she was anxious and feeling low. As she became more connected to others and a bit less stressed, she spoke about wanting a job. She joined our 9-week training in Confident Communication and built the skills and self-assurance to become a Parents United Volunteer. She involved herself in research and sharing information with other parents on outreach visits. The Parent House were able to support Aisha with a £350 catalyst grant, provided by our partners at Islington Giving, which she used to build a home office in her bedroom. She applied for jobs with support from a worker at TPH and from her fellow volunteers. When she got interviews we were able to refer her to partners at Smart Works who gave her a capsule wardrobe for her interviews and more support in how to ace an interview. Aisha persisted in her applications and has now got a management role for a local charity. She still volunteers for us 3 hours a week and is an absolute asset!