Words by Calum Goddard-Mocklow

MORE than 2,000 people have been aided by the ‘Ignite’ initiative in Bournemouth designed to give people the self-belief and skills to get back into work.

Since 2010, BCHA have been running free six-week courses from St Swithuns House in Bournemouth. BCHA is a charity which has been helping homeless and vulnerable people for over 50 years.

These courses focus on self-development and well-being, and they are available to anyone who is unemployed or about to lose their job over the age of 19.

The ‘Ignite’ initiative is celebrating its 10th birthday next year and, in that decade, they have run 217 courses. From their latest statistics they reported 97 per cent of learners had an increase in their motivation and 85 per cent achieved a qualification as a result of the course.

Ignite project manager Jamie Clarke said: “We understand the perception of isolation from society, apprehension and vulnerability which effects numerous people.

“We provide a relaxed and friendly environment with workshops held informally in small group settings to help customers make lasting positive changes."

Funding for the courses comes from numerous bodies, including: Education & Skills Funding Agency, Skills & Learning Bournemouth, Dorset & Poole, and The Learning Curve.

A recovering alcoholic involved in the BCHA course said she found the courses "life-changing".

“Having given up alcohol I was inspired by life without it. It gave me desire to work with people that had suffered from addiction – so I contacted BCHA and did an amazing course called ‘Ignite’. They were so holistic – improving my self-esteem and teaching me that I had life skills.”

The ‘Ignite’ scheme will continue to help local people in difficult life circumstances back on their feet, developing the necessary skills needed for the working world.