Building Better Opportunities (BBO)

Case studies

Roger

Roger was referred to Building Better Opportunities (BBO) after almost a year of unemployment following redundancy and a significant work history as a School Caretaker.  BBO is a bespoke, one-to-one intervention programme to support individuals return to the labour market or into education.

On joining the BBO programme, Roger had low self-confidence and limited IT skills. In conjunction with his BBO Adviser, Roger completed a one-to-one needs assessment and a tailored programme of support was developed. In addition to regular one-to-one meetings with his Adviser, Roger has participated in our 6-week Employability Skills course, our weekly Job Club and developed confidence through group activities. 

It was identified whilst on the BBO programme that Roger’s difficulties with reading were a result of severe dyslexia which hampered his search for work.  Following a detailed assessment with our Dyslexia Specialist, we were able to help Roger overcome some of these barriers by providing him with a C-Reader Pen and an iPad.  This equipment has enabled Roger to undertake a distance learning qualification in Retail, communicate regularly by email and to undertake job search more effectively.

As a result of his time on the BBO programme, Roger has grown in confidence and a significant increase in his use of IT.  Roger recently secured employment at Grantham College as an Student Accommodation Officer.

Daniel

Daniel was referred to Building Better Opportunities (BBO) by Job Centre Plus after being unemployed for over a year.  Daniel was home schooled from the age of 11 and achieved no qualifications.  BBO is a bespoke, one-to-one intervention programme to support individuals return to the labour market or into education.

On joining the BBO programme, Daniel had low self-confidence and communication and social skills. In conjunction with his BBO Adviser, Daniel completed a one-to-one needs assessment, and a tailored programme of support was developed. In addition to regular one-to-one meetings with his Adviser, Daniel enrolled to Functional Skills English and Maths courses and to a Customer Service Level 1 course.  He regularly attended our weekly Job Club and developed confidence through group activities. 

As a result of his time on the BBO programme, Daniel grew in confidence and a significant increase in his communication skills.  Daneil recently secured employment with Asda as a customer service team leader.

David

David was referred to Building Better Opportunities (BBO) by Social Prescribing after being unemployed for two years.  David is an army veteran having served 14 years in the military and in Bosnia, Kosovo and Northern Ireland.  BBO is a bespoke, one-to-one intervention programme to support individuals return to the labour market or into education.

On joining the BBO programme, David had low self-confidence and self-esteem, low communication and social skills and he lacked motivation. He also had PTSD from his military experiences and a mobility disability following a recent serious road traffic accident. In conjunction with his BBO Adviser, David completed a one-to-one needs assessment, and a tailored programme of support was developed. In addition to regular one-to-one meetings with his Adviser, David regularly attended our weekly Job Club, bi-monthly BBO Coffee Mornings and developed confidence through group activities. 

It was identified whilst on the BBO programme that David’s difficulties with reading and writing were a result of severe dyslexia which his self-confidence and motivation.  Following a detailed assessment with our Dyslexia Specialist, we were able to help David overcome some of these barriers by providing him with an iPad and a speech to text facility.  This equipment has enabled David to enrol to a HNC Art course at Grantham College enabling him to work towards achieving his lifelong dream to be an artist. 

Today and as a result of his time on the BBO programme, David is currently completing a HND in Art at Grantham College and is a Volunteer BBO at Grantham College Mentor supporting BBO male participants who have PTSD, mental health issues and mobility problems.

Ryan

Ryan was referred to Building Better Opportunities (BBO) by a Student Mentor at Grantham College after struggling with engaging to a school leavers course.  Ryan was home schooled from year 8.  Despite being home schooled, Ryan had high IT skills, had deep interest in the arts and theatre and good communication skills.  Ryan struggled being in large groups and had difficulty engaging with his peer group which affected his self-confidence.   BBO is a bespoke, one-to-one intervention programme to support individuals return to the labour market or into education.

On joining the BBO programme, Ryan was reserved and had very little social interaction with others in his peer group and lacked direction and focus. completed a one-to-one needs assessment, and a tailored programme of support was developed. In addition to regular one-to-one meetings with his Adviser, Ryan regularly attended our bi-monthly BBO Coffee Mornings and developed confidence through group activities. 

It was identified whilst on the BBO programme that Ryan’s difficulties with reading and writing were a result of moderate to severe dyslexia which affected his ability to ‘fit in’ with others in his peer group.

As a result of his time on the BBO programme, Ryan was able to set a study and career plan to achieve his goal to work in theatre production.  Ryan enrolled to a Future Routes course at Grantham College combined with Media enable him to enjoy his new found self-confidence, engage in College life and enjoy a social life with other media students.

Thankyou to our BBO team for all they do in the community.

To get in touch, contact Alison at alewis@grantham.ac.uk or, Call us on 01476 400200.

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