Funding running out for self-help courses (From Thisisdorset)

Funding running out for self-help courses

3:07pm Thursday 5th October 2006 in

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SELF-improvement courses which have transformed the lives of hundreds of families in Christchurch are facing a funding crisis after exhausting the budget from Dorset County Council.

The current Steps (Steps Toward Excellence and Personal Success) groups running at the Somerford family centre could be the last after organisers were told the money had run out.

It was started four years ago by former community health visitor Angela Ward as part of an action plan to improve lifestyles among residents of the Grange ward.

Using positive psychology techniques, Angela encouraged and enabled her students, mostly women, to improve their self-esteem and make a difference to all aspects of their lives.

She said: "Having worked in this area it was clear to me that people knew what they should do, but just didn't believe in themselves that they could change."

As well as tackling personal health issues such as smoking, drugs and diet, the courses also helped clients improve parenting and social skills, education and jobs.

"Once people saw how others they knew had benefited, it snowballed and people have done all sorts of wonderful things," said Angela, who was presented with a bouquet when she attended a Steps reunion arranged by the scheme's current co-ordinator, Tina Treadwell.

Tina, 31, a single parent of three and herself a former Steps client, said the benefits of the course not only helped the individual but their children, partners, friends and neighbours.

"We have had 150 people through Steps but it has impacted on more than 300 at least," said Tina.

"It is such a good scheme. By giving people back their self-esteem they can set goals to find jobs, further their education, become better parents, get out of violent relationships and deal with partners who are addicts."

But Tina and fellow Steps facilitator Stacey Horrex are having to use manuals left over from previous groups to run two eight-week courses until December when the funding from Dorset adult education department expires.