Tag Archives: skills

A shedload of opportunities

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One for the guys out there next weekend, when June and Rachel will be talking about men and sheds – or, to be more precise, about men IN sheds…

For many chaps (Rachel’s husband Dean included!), a shed at the bottom of the garden is a favourite place to escape to for a bit of peace and quiet. But did you know that more than 11,000 men across the UK head to a shed for precisely the opposite reason?

Like John Nelson and Dez Williams, who’ll be joining the Girls Around Town on Sunday, they’re all Men in Sheds, a nationwide group supported by the UK Men’s Sheds Organisation, which was founded in 2013 to help raise awareness of the social and health benefits of Men’s Sheds in reducing isolation and loneliness and in empowering local communities.

Over the last five years, the number of sheds up and running has grown from around 30 to more than 460, with another 133 currently in development. And for those 11,000-plus Shedders, they’re places where they can share experiences, knowledge and skills while making friends for life with others who share interests and a common purpose.

It gives me a reason to get up in the morning… I feel a sense of worth and love the way all of the men work together

Tune in or listen online between 10am and 12 noon to hear John and Dez explain why they joined the Collingham Shed, what they and their fellow members get up to there and, above all, the difference being Shedders has made to their lives.

And, if you’re a man without a shed, to find out how to join them or track down a Shed near you…

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How creative leadership skills can help change lives

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As a university lecturer, Debby Cozins has used coaching strategies to support students’ development for many years.

Inspired by the impact of one of the courses she delivers, she’s now set out to share her expertise with a wider audience by writing a book based on its content and she’ll be joining the Girls Around Town on this week’s show to explain why…

The course, Professional Practice and Leadership in Educational Contexts, offers her students the chance to explore and develop qualities needed for creative leadership. “Learning these skills as adults can be challenging because it means overturning habits, often deeply embedded, that have been learned through interaction with other people and from life experiences,” she says.

“If children were taught these skills from the outset, it could offer them the opportunity to live happier, more effective and more successful lives. And, taking this a step further, embedding the teaching of these skills into the education curriculum, could have a positive impact on society as a whole.”

Debby’s book will help parents and teachers set the process in motion, covering topics such as

  • Our amazing brain and habits
  • The ‘Luck’ factor
  • The ‘Fear’ factor
  • Beliefs we hold about ourselves and what we are capable of
  • Flexible action planning
  • Personal growth and change
  • Bounce-back-ability – the importance of being resilient
  • The ‘other people’ factor – interdependence, really listening, the importance of contributing, values and principles
  • Adapting successful business models of leadership for personal use

Tune in or listen online between 10am and 12 noon on Sunday to find out what led Debby to write the book and how implementing the strategies it explores can change young people’s lives for the better.

Getting women back into work

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woman at work

If you’re a woman looking to get back on the employment ladder, you’ll know there’s a lot more to it than just updating your CV and popping down to the nearest job centre or employment agency.

Sorting out common problems such as child care, transport and gaps in your digital skills are just a few of the things you need to consider before you even get that far. But where do you turn if you need help making sure you’re ready to take the next step?

Well, if you live in North Kesteven and you’re unemployed or have been out of the job market for some time, the answer’s easy. You need to get involved in Succeeding Together…

Part of the three-year Greater Lincolnshire MOVE project, it’s designed to create opportunities for you to get together in small groups across the county to learn new skills, develop your confidence and share your experiences of getting back into work or setting up a business.

Find out more by joining the Girls Around Town next weekend, when Fiona White of Community Lincs explains just what’s on offer, from free access to five monthly development sessions for each group, use of the My WorkSearch tool, referrals to women’s business networks, introductions to a range of business advice services and more.

Tune in or listen online between 10am and 12 noon on Sunday 19 February  to hear how working together can give you all the advice and support you need to succeed together…