YOUR MANAGER

Name: Tracey Arden Role: Programme manager – Workfit Women Organisation: Lancashire Women’s Centres

How long have you been

doing this for?: Workfit Women is a new project so I have only been in this role since May 2017.

Tell us a little about the services you host?:

Workfit Women provides a tailored support package for any women who are not working and are looking to get back into work, gain qualifications or simply start looking for a job. We offer one-to-one advice and guidance around employability, group training courses such as Workfit and Mindfit, one-to-one counselling, volunteering opportunities, workshops and money advice.

What do you most enjoy about this role?:

Being part of such a supportive team. Being in a job that is rewarding and that has such a positive impact for so many people would be enough in itself, but being able to do that job alongside such a fantastic team of people with shared values and goals – I know I am privileged to be part of that.

What are your highlights of doing this?:

Being part of people’s journeys and seeing the changes in people from when they first come to the centres to when they move on. The people we see in our centres really do go through life-changing journeys and to watch that happen is nothing short of miraculous.

What are your funny or memorable experiences while you have been doing this?:

Well I have been doing this for a while and I have so many fantastic memories shared with such amazing friends. Most recently was our production of Bryan, the Witch and the Gynaphobes at Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre which involved lots of laughs and a huge sense of achievement and camaraderie.

What is your favourite place in Accrington?:

There is a magical space in Oak Hill park with – I think it is called The Rockery – where a little stone bridge crosses a small stream and you are surrounded by plants and trees. Either that – or Moya’s house (learning and development manager at LWC).

If you could offer any advice, what would it be?:

Something a very good friend used to say to me – “If you do what you have always done, you will get what you have always got!”

Lancashire Women’s Centres aim to ensure women and their families in the communities they serve are able to achieve their potential to develop their skills and live safe, healthy and prosperous lives. There are five centres across Lancashire including Accrington, Blackburn, Blackpool, Burnley and Preston.~

Further details can be found via the website www.womenscentre.org or via Facebook and Twitter