Works4Women is an employability programme that supports women who have experienced domestic abuse. Edinburgh Women’s Aid runs it in partnership with Shakti Women’s Aid, serving minority ethnic women in the community. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund funds the continuation and expansion of the service.
What does the support look like?
We offer:
• Group sessions covering a range of employability skills and topics.
• One-to-one support with a specialist employability worker. We provide information and advice in your search for employment, education, or training.
• CV-building workshops; completing applications and preparing for interviews.
What will I get?
Domestic abuse survivors often face unique barriers compared to other job seekers. These can include homelessness, court involvement, and low self-esteem. We provide group sessions that cover various employability skills and topics. We also offer one-to-one support from a specialist employability worker. This support includes help with finding employment, education, or training. We assist with building your CV, completing applications, and preparing for interviews. W4W is not only an employability service. It’s a person-centred initiative that helps you boost your health and wellbeing. You’ll also build confidence as you work towards financial independence.
When
You can engage with a structured programme of activities that run for 40 weeks of the year. You can participate for as long as it takes to achieve your goals.
Where
Throughout Edinburgh – transport vouchers can be provided.
What can I do next?
W4W is highly successful and effective in supporting women to achieve positive outcomes. In 2023/24, 64 women benefitted from the W4W service, including 12 who moved into employment after receiving support. Two women went on to establish their own businesses. 14 women took on training/further education. Sixteen women joined the 6-week employability group programme in March 2024. This was done in partnership with State Street Bank. They learned about working in the banking and finance sector, developed their CV and received interview coaching. Five women have got jobs, a further three are starting college courses, and two are looking for work. 18 women also received laptops. This has helped them search and apply for jobs, look into college courses and further study. They also feel more connected online. Digital support and training are available with partner organisations. 20 women took part in "Confidently You!" confidence-building group sessions and "Make your Money Count" financial awareness courses.
Address
Edinburgh Women's Aid, 4 Cheyne Street, EH4 1JB
Phone number
0131 315 8110
Email
W4W@edinwomensaid.co.uk
Website
https://www.edinwomensaid.co.uk/
What type of support?
CV, job searching and interview support
Health and wellbeing support
Clothing for interview or work
Who is the support for?
Parent
Homeless or in temporary accommodation
Long-term health condition or mental health issues
