At Gifted Women, we’re here to support you as you take your next step towards work, stability, and feeling confident again. We know rebuilding your life after hard times doesn’t happen overnight – that’s why you can access our services for up to 18 months – and it doesn’t happen alone. That’s why we offer a mix of hands-on help, person-to-person support, and space to grow.
Everything we offer has been designed and shaped in partnership with women who’ve faced real barriers and are rebuilding their lives on their own terms, so we hope that it will work for you, too. It’s flexible, trauma-informed, and always your choice. You don’t need to have it all figured out – whether you’re just starting to think about work again or you’re ready to go for it, we’ll meet you where you are.
Flourish is our 12-week group course where you can build your confidence, remember what you’re good at, and start thinking about work again in a space that’s safe and supportive.
It’s not a classroom. The sessions are creative, reflective, and often full of laughter and real connection. We talk about things like communication, boundaries, and emotional resilience – and we also explore what “work ready” really means. That could be getting used to a routine again, recognising your strengths, or figuring out what kind of job fits your life now.
You don’t need to have everything together to join. Flourish is often a first step – a space where you can show up and start believing in yourself again.
You’ll have your own Employability Advocate – someone who’ll walk with you through your journey at Gifted Women. They’ll listen to you, support your choices, and help you work through whatever’s getting in the way of moving forward. No judgment. No pressure. Just someone in your corner.
You can get help with confidence, planning next steps, sorting ID, finding training, or working through anything that’s on your mind. It’s not rushed. We go at your pace and figure it out together.
When you’re thinking about looking for work, our weekly drop-ins are a good place to start. You can get help with CVs, job applications, interview prep – or just talk through your options.
We know the barriers are real – things like gaps in your work history, criminal records, stigma, or not being online. Whatever your situation, we’re here to support you as you take the next step. No pressure. No judgment. Just real, practical support when you’re ready for it.
Sometimes it’s just about having a place to go. A cuppa. Some company. A space that feels safe and relaxed.
Our social drop-ins are weekly meet-ups where you can connect, chat, and be around other women. For many women, they’re a lifeline – a first step back into community and connection, and a way to build friendships that last.
We work with local businesses to offer real work placements – where you can build your confidence, get new skills, get something on your CV, and figure out what kind of job fits your life now.
You’ll be part of a team and supported every step of the way. This isn’t about pressure or performance – it’s about trying something out and seeing what’s possible.
Work experience is unpaid and won’t affect your benefits. We can cover travel and other costs so money isn’t a barrier.
Getting into work isn’t just about having the right skills – it’s about the everyday stuff that can hold you back. No ID. No interview clothes. No way to get there. These things can stop you before you even begin.
We offer no-fuss help to sort those things out. Whether it’s a bus pass, a laptop, clothes, or covering the cost of ID, we’ll do what we can to make sure you’re not blocked from moving forward.
If you are a woman of colour at Gifted Women, Kaleidoscope is a space created just for you.
It’s a regular group where you can connect with others, share what matters to you, and explore identity, belonging, and confidence in a way that feels safe and understood. The group is led by Amie, who brings both lived and professional experience.
There’s no pressure – just space to be yourself, share moments of joy, and connect with others who get it.
When you’re ready to take that step into work – whether it’s your first job in a while, a new career path, or something part-time that fits around your life – we’ll be here to support you. That might mean helping you find roles that match your strengths, practising for interviews, or just being in your corner while you go for it.
We know how big that step can feel – but you don’t have to take it alone. With the right support, work can be a fresh start, a chance to rebuild, and a way to shape the future you want.
Gifted Women is open to women – including trans women – who have been out of paid work or formal education for at least six months and are ready to take steps toward employment. You don’t need to be job-ready right away – just open to the idea of getting there, with the right support.
We know that the women who benefit most from Gifted Women are often navigating some of the toughest barriers to work – and that’s exactly who we’re here for. To make sure the support is the right fit, we work with women who have experience of at least one of the following:
We also understand that many women will have been affected by things like domestic abuse, mental ill health, the care system, or not having custody of their children. You’re not alone in having gone through these things – many women we work with have, too. That’s why we’re here.
We’ll also chat with you about whether now feels like the right time to join the programme. We call this “readiness” – it just means looking at whether things like your housing, mental health, or recovery feel settled enough to get the most out of the support we offer. If now’s not quite the right time, we may invite you to join our weekly social Drop-In until things feel more stable.
You don’t need to be referred by anyone – you can reach out yourself. We welcome new women into Gifted Women every month, and there’s no waiting list. If you’re thinking about work but not sure where to start, we’re here for you.
Professionals can refer too – just get in touch if you have any queries. We also run a bi-monthly info session for referral partners.
