back            Windmills Programme for Women – Case Studies


Jackie Taylor was working part time and caring for her two young children as a single parent when she started the Windmills programme. Now she designs and delivers imaginative lessons about managing money to children. The success of what started as a voluntary project led to her being approached to roll the programme out to 13 other primary schools.
"It was an idea that had been in my head for ages. I had 'walked through it' so many times and all the detail was pretty much there, but in my head was where it stayed. I never would have done this without going on the course."
Janice Richards was a teacher for 30 years but dreamed of opening her own business – a ladies clothes shop. Teaching was draining her confidence and turning her into a negative person. Janice had begun to look for premises when she started the programme and saw her business idea as a way to integrate more playing and learning into her life. Now she is having fun building a successful business.
"I loved it, it was a really great, positive experience that gave me the confidence I needed to believe in myself and achieve my dream."
Anne Prendergast had lost any sense of security after being made redundant and her confidence was low. Having taken a stopgap job, the programme confirmed her desire to work with people who needed help and guidance. Competition was stiff but Anne gained one of only twelve places on a two-year Counselling Diploma course.
"I now have a focus and more importantly an enthusiasm for my future."
Jan Atkinson was finding her temporary, part-time work increasingly frustrating. She devoted most of her free time to others, leaving little time for her own needs. Since completing the programme Jan has a permanent job that she is very happy with. She has also made positive changes to her life outside work and accomplished things that she only thought about before.
"I am now in control of what happens in my life and where it is going. I may not reach dizzying heights but I'm happy in a way I haven't been for years."
Lorna Goodchild was unhappy and bored after graduating as her job didn't stretch her abilities. The programme helped Lorna to identify what was important to her and find a new role that was challenging and interesting. re-energised, Lorna volunteered her marketing skills to local community projects and helped them promote themselves more effectively.
"A full assessment of my life was exactly what I needed as only then could I work out what I had to do to improve it."
Ruth Butland enjoyed her job and was studying for a professional qualification in accountancy. However she couldn't progress at work and was unsure about continuing her studies. Ruth now has a new job managing five staff and, having decided to stop studying, finds time for other interests, such as travelling, learning Italian and running.
"The main thing I learned from the programme was to believe I can achieve things if I put my mind to them – my biggest barrier had been myself."



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