Hi there! Which organisation/project are you from?
Realise Futures Learning and Development
Could you tell us a little bit about what you and your organisation/project do?
Realise Futures Learning and Development Skills Development (RFLD) is part of the umbrella organisation, REALISE Futures Community Interest Company. Realise Futures is an emerging social business providing services that combine to offer a holistic approach to an individual seeking support to return to work, maintain their employment, re-engage with training or seek to develop their employability skills. Our particular expertise is in helping those furthest from the labour market re-engage with employment, learning and skills.
RFLD provides a first rung teaching and learning service that offers adults a range of opportunities to:
- Prepare them for work
- Achieve nationally recognised qualifications
- Become actively engaged in their communities
- Raise personal and professional aspirations
We are the primary sub-contractor for Suffolk County Council delivering the Skills Funding Agency Adult Skills Budget (ASB) and Community Learning Grant. As a department of Realise Futures CIC, the primary purpose of the service is to promote the economic and social wellbeing of the community RFLD supports the disadvantaged and disabled groups, including furthest from the labour market, to re-engage with employment, learning and skills. Our Health and Wellbeing curriculum has a particular focus on Stress Management, Confidence, Self-esteem and healthy lifestyles and we work closely with community and voluntary organisations working in partnership and sub-contracting provision.
We also have an extensive professional training and staff development offer and have venues / rooms for hire.
Describe your work in three words
Engage, Inspire, Progress
How can people access the help you offer?
For public facing courses ring 0300 456 2050, visit www.rflearn.co.uk or drop into one of our learning centres (Ipswich, Bury, Stowmarket, Lowestoft, Felixstowe, Newmarket)
Or just call Deborah Williams on 01473 275956
Send us a team selfie!
(Stowmarket team)
If you could give one piece of advice to someone who might be struggling with their mental health or wellbeing, what would it be?
Don’t feel that you are alone, there is advice and support out there and others who have lived through this and can help you to get through and out the other side
Tell us why you think libraries are important to people’s wellbeing
Libraries are the heart of the community, offering information, access, support, warmth and companionship.
What is your organisation most proud of achieving in the last 12 months?
Supporting 8,000 learners to make a real difference in their lives
Tell us two things you do to look after your own mental health and wellbeing
I walk, every day, whatever the weather; be it for five minutes or five miles I get outdoors and moving as often as I can both during and after the working day
An hour before going to sleep I turn off all screens (TV, computer, mobile phone) and spend an hour winding down, often with a good book
Which book/ author would you recommend as a mood booster?
Earthly Paradise by Colette. Just an amazing book which transports you to another time and place