Boost

Gwent Boost is a partnership project aimed to empower individuals with lived experiences by providing opportunities within their communities. 

The project will deliver: 

• Targeted Peer Advisor Programme  

• Social Enterprise Project 

• Champions Network for Landlords and Tenants  

• Gwent-wider clinical psychology support 

• Co Production  

Cyfannol Women’s Aid is co-delivering the Targeted Peer Advisor Programme with St Giles Trust. We support by recruiting women with lived experiences to become peer advisors and help with breaking down the barriers preventing women with lived experience attending work. These peer advisors will go into support roles where their lived experience can be used in a positive way. 

The programme offers training, placement, professional development, and support around the framework of Level 3 Advice and Guidance qualification. Which gives the peer advisors the skills and qualifications to move into employment and make progress in the new lives.  

Programme has many distinctive elements setting it apart from other peer initiatives, including: 

• Initial training covers essential aspects of advice and guidance work, including modules on legislation, safeguarding, data protection, equality, and diversity. It provides participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver effective services within the community. For the first step you’ll be enrolled onto the Learn to Advise course. 

• Voluntary placements, typically lasting 6 to 8 months, offer hands-on experience in genuine frontline advice and guidance roles alongside a dedicated BOOST team member. These placements are designed to foster confidence, showcase skills, and enhance employability prospects. 

• Supervision and support lay the foundation for developing professionalism, enhancing employability, and fostering progression towards sustained employment and long-term career aspirations. There is also support available to help with CV writing and interview skills. 

Through assessment and portfolio building, individuals strive towards achieving the prestigious City & Guilds Level 3 certificate in Advice and Guidance, recognised as the industry standard qualification sought by employers. This milestone often marks a significant educational achievement for many, with support and guidance provided by seasoned assessors adept at tailoring their approach to accommodate diverse learning styles. 

Discover within the Gwent BOOST project an array of additional courses, including the chance to earn a certificate in mental health awareness and other training and also support to help with CV writing and interview skills. 

The project spans the entirety of Gwent, encompassing Torfaen, Newport, Monmouthshire, Blaenau Gwent, and Caerphilly, ensuring accessibility within your own local area. 

For the first time I felt like my experience had value and that I had something positive to offer.

For more information in regard to this project please download our leaflet. 

To refer into the BOOST Project, make an enquiry, or find out more, call the BOOST team on 07854558223 or BOOST@cyfannol.org.uk