2021- Women’s Work Lab

Women’s Work Lab has a vision to create space and support to help Mums transform their lives by rebuilding their confidence, recognising their brilliance and helping them build a financially secure future for themselves and their children – but in a way that works for them and their families.

Since it was established in 2019, it has supported over 400 unemployed Mums back into the workplace with a powerful programme designed by women who understand business and motherhood, and have the expertise that know what is needed for the two to work harmoniously.

Women’s Work Lab specifically support women experiencing complex barriers to employment including lone parenting and domestic abuse, mental and physical health challenges and additional caring responsibilities including children with SEN or elderly relatives. Due to the complex barriers the participants face, many of the Mums have been unable to work for a long time and need specialist support to take that first step back. The programmes Women’s Work Lab provide are a practical solution to supporting women out of poverty.

ACTION

In 2021, Women’s Work Lab were awarded the main grant of £15,000 from Bath Women’s Fund to help deliver their Spring 2022 programme in Bath for Mums. This was a much needed service, as demand was high for these places with approx. 60 applications for the 15 places.

The participants were trained in a dynamic, safe and encouraging classroom and undertook work placement and mentoring programmes that helped them to rediscover themselves and identify their employability skills and ambitions. The aim was to unlock potential and pave the way for a brighter future, empowering these women to shine. The funding was put towards team salaries, core costs and specific programme delivery costs.

A big part of the training was to give Mums the opportunity to create a support network of like-minded people, sharing an experience. This was fostered through sessions provided with in-person training, group work and interaction, voluntary placements and working with mentors.

IMPACT

By the end of the programme, every Mum had co-designed a career plan and a clearly marked ‘positive pathway’ back to work. The aim was get 25% of Mums back into employment within six months of the programme ending.

“The programme has built up my confi dence and helped me see my own strengths. I have just secured a part time admin role in HR as a direct result of my placement. It is the perfect outcome for me and my family!” Roxanne, participant

“The Bath Women’s Fund grant enabled us to support 15 mums through a Women’s Work Lab programme in Bath in May 2022. We felt incredibly well supported as we went through the application process and felt very humbled to be the eventual winners. Everyone at Bath Women’s Fund ‘gets it’ and wants to help third sector organisations to make a positive impact and create meaningful change.” Co-Founder of Women’s Work Lab, Rachel Mostyn

To find out more about Women’s Work Lab visit:

https://www.womensworklab.co.uk/