Welcome to October’s edition of Get Connected
Like the falling leaves that are making Manchester look beautiful, this edition contains some learners’ personal stories that will brighten up your day too.
We also have some useful information about current opportunities within MAES, as well as how you can access support as the cost of living rises. Thanks for reading.
Fatema shows what’s possible!
Last year Fatema completed a community interpreting course alongside ESOL Entry 3. During the year Fatema received support and encouragement from her tutors and developed her self-belief. Before studying with MAES Fatema did not think she would be able to work in the UK, however along with passing both her courses Fatema now has another reason to celebrate - she has secured a permanent volunteering position.
Fatema will begin supporting a Year 2 class at Oasis Academy in Harpermount, working with small groups twice a week. ‘I didn’t feel confident before but my tutors helped me and now I feel ready to work. I am looking forward to learning more and improving so I can work in childcare in the future.’
If you’re interested in volunteering work like Fatema then our fantastic in-house Make It Happen team may be able to help. Click the button to learn more about sessions to help develop your confidence and also in finding employment or volunteering opportunities.
Good luck in your new role Fatema!
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From making sparkling drinks to making people sparkle…
It was wonderful to hear how much of an impact adult education has had on our learner Zulfie and how he has used his learning to help find a new career.
After being made redundant from a job in a soft drinks factory that he had spent 19 years in, Zulfie wanted a change. Zulfie firstly undertook qualifications in maths and English with MAES and then, driven by his own experience of caring for his mother, decided to work towards completing health and social care qualifications.
‘I realised that some people just need a little bit of help and to be able to give that gives me a lot of satisfaction. The fact that the courses have been free has made it possible for me. Studying with others too has really helped me develop my skill set so I feel more confident going for jobs.’
He is currently balancing his studies alongside working for Crossroads Together an organisation that prides itself on delivering high-quality care to those who need it, and he hopes to continue to help others with his meaningful work .
Charitea work makes a difference!
Despite some unavoidable bumps in the road due to the pandemic’s restrictions, ESOL learners from different learning centres still managed to show their generosity and kindness by raising money for Ruth Hayman Trust and the Lord Mayor’s ‘We Love MCR’ charity. The Charitea events involved the selling of tea, coffee and refreshments in order to raise funds, with events being held in learning centres and organised entirely by learners themselves.
An whopping amount of over £1000 was raised and both charities were extremely grateful, pledging to use the money received from MAES to support Greater Manchester’s residents with education, training and general wellbeing.
Mental health matters
With Mental Health Awareness week falling earlier this month it seems the perfect time to remind readers about the range of accredited Mental Health qualifications MAES can offer.
Course tutor Marcelle, who has completed the course herself, said ‘I'm very eager to impart my expertise and experience to students. I’m so excited for the year ahead’
These courses develop your understanding so you can support the wellbeing of others, which could help you access further professional opportunities as well as empowering you on a personal level too.
Take a look at our course Prospectus for more details or click the button below to apply.
We look forward to seeing you in the online or face-to-face classroom soon!
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New advice line available for all
We recognise how stressful and uncertain the rising cost of living is and we know that understanding exactly what help and support is available can be like untangling spaghetti. Therefore we are happy to share news of a new telephone line which can offer Manchester residents support with:
- Benefits and help with rent
- Advice about debt and paying bills
- Help to find local community food provision
- Help to get online and support access to laptops, phones and data.
Residents can call The Cost of Living Advice FREE on 0800 023 2692 between 9am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday. You can also contact the team by filling in an online form.
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