Vol. 7 | 17/10/2025
Introduction from Helen Radcliffe
Hi everyone, even though we’ve just had a glorious weekend of weather, it’s getting colder and darker and the Christmas decorations are already going up in some shops! There is still a lot to be cheerful about, including the leaves turning fantastic colours and the fact that it’s Awards season and there’s much to celebrate:
- The DurhamEnable team has been nominated for the Large Supported Employment Team of the Year Award, Innovation Award (Bambi French for the Voices of Supported Employment podcast) and Supported Employment Leader (Nick Liversedge for the LSE) at the national BASE (British Association of Supported Employment) Awards.
- DurhamWorks has been nominated for the national ERSA (Employment Related Services Association) Partnership and Collaboration Award.
- The Progression and Learning Wellbeing Team has been nominated for the DCC Inspiring People Workplace Health and Wellbeing Award.
Congratulations to everyone for being nominated – it’s lovely to see all the hard work and commitment being recognised.
Have you tried Copilot yet? We all have access to this AI tool which appears in the side bar when you open Teams. I have used it recently to pull together some data from several documents and to create a one page summary of a report. Give it a go – tidy up your spelling and grammar in a document or ask it for ideas on how to word an email if you’re not sure where to start. Have a play – you can’t break it and it might just prove useful.
Thank you, as always, for your enthusiasm and dedication in making sure that our young people and adults have the very best service and support possible.
Best wishes
Helen
The following showcases what’s been happening across DurhamEnable, DurhamWorks, and DurhamLearn
DurhamEnable
From trial to triumph: Leanne’s journey
When Leanne Davis first connected with DurhamEnable, she was looking for an opportunity to grow her confidence and gain experience in a supportive work environment. At 22, she wanted a role that provided routine, familiarity, and the chance to build new skills but she needed a little help to get there.
Together with her Job Coach, Emma Corr, Leanne began her journey of tailored support. One of the first steps was travel training, enabling Leanne to confidently use public transport on her own. This independence not only expanded her opportunities but also gave her a much-needed boost in confidence.
DurhamEnable also supported Leanne through the application process, helping her complete forms for the very first time and encouraging her to recognise her own strengths. Confidence-building was at the heart of her journey. A workplace visit to Hotel Indigo, accompanied by her Job Coach, allowed Leanne to familiarise herself with the environment and meet staff before deciding to take part in a trial.
That decision became a turning point. After completing a six-week work trial at Hotel Indigo, Leanne impressed everyone with her positive attitude, determination, and eagerness to learn. She not only built new relationships with colleagues but also developed resilience and self-belief along the way.
The outcome? Hotel Indigo offered Leanne a paid role! A milestone achievement that reflects her personal growth and the value of supported employment pathways.
Leanne’s own words capture the transformation best:
Today was such a special atmosphere… everything ran smoothly and I felt amazing after my shift. I’m really happy with how everything’s going, and the staff honestly couldn’t do more if they tried. I’ll be forever grateful for this opportunity and I appreciate everything DurhamEnable has given me.
Her employer agrees:
Leanne has fit in so well and is doing fantastic. It feels like she’s always been here. She is eager to learn and pushes herself out of her comfort zone every week.
For Leanne’s mum, Stacey, the experience has been just as meaningful:
The whole journey has been amazing! As a parent, you couldn’t wish for better support for your daughter.
Leanne’s story is a shining example of how the right support at the right time can empower individuals to achieve their potential. With her new role at Hotel Indigo, Leanne’s future looks bright and DurhamEnable are more than happy to have supported her on this journey.
DurhamWorks
Working together to raise aspirations and inspire the workforce of the future
Durham County Council colleagues from The Story contacted The Workplaces Project team after seeing an article in Buzz Magazine’s December edition showcasing how Durham County Council departments can get involved in The Workplaces Project with employer visits and interactive activities.
At the beginning of July, 14 students from Parkside Academy in Willington were invited along to The Story where they were introduced to staff, taken on a workplace tour and took part in an interactive activity to identify their own skills and qualities.
Steph and Emily hosted a brilliant session and introduced the students to some of the careers, jobs and volunteering opportunities within Durham County Council based at The Story. The students were given the opportunity to ask staff questions and they learned about some of their career journeys. It is safe to say they were truly inspired by the staff at The Story and The Workplaces Project team are looking forward to working alongside colleagues from The Story with more school students in future.
Building confidence and connections: Summer success for DurhamWorks
This summer, DurhamWorks celebrated another fantastic success through its six-week Summer Programme, designed to support electively home-educated school leavers.
Delivered collaboratively by the Programmes for Schools Team and the Workplaces Project, the initiative helps young people make a confident transition into college life. The focus is on developing social skills, confidence, and self-esteem, while creating opportunities for participants to connect with others who share similar experiences.
At the start of the programme, many of the young people were understandably nervous. Some barely spoke on the first day. But over the six weeks, they began to open up, make friends, and support one another. By the end, the group was chatting freely, sharing laughs, and even planning their own activities outside of the sessions.
They’ve since set up a WhatsApp group to stay in touch and were planning a trampolining trip together when staff last spoke to them!
As these young people head off to college this autumn, some alongside new friends from the programme, they take with them the skills, self-belief, and support networks they’ve developed along the way.
DurhamLearn
Celebrating our inspirational learners
We’re so proud to celebrate this year’s DurhamLearn Inspirational Learner Award winners, each showing how perseverance, positivity, and support can transform lives.
From Jack Gailes, who overcame his fear of the spotlight to confidently lead class tasks and shine in apprenticeship interviews, to Joshua Pinkney, whose “give it a try” attitude and kindness inspire everyone around him, the learners show the power of determination. Basma Al Ghrairi has balanced family life, volunteering, and study on her journey toward British citizenship, while Isobella Musgrove has impressed tutors and peers alike with her growing confidence and commitment to excellence.
But one story truly captures the spirit of lifelong learning. Robert Berry, winner of the Inspirational Learner for Multiply and Communicate Award. At 77, Robert returned to education to rebuild his confidence in maths and inspire his family and community. Despite personal challenges, he showed up every week, volunteers locally, and dreams of helping children who, like him, once struggled with confidence. (Pictured David Lee, DurhamLearn Manager, with Robert Berry)
Robert reminds us that it’s never too late to learn and his dedication makes him a role model for all generations.
And that’s a wrap for this edition of our Newsletter!
If there are any stories that you would like to be included in the next edition please submit to Declan.Claughan@durham.gov.uk