Leading Front of House Training at Royal Exchange

This was a very unique project that the Royal Exchange approached me to run in partnership with Jigsaw Homes Engagement Team. Jigsaw Homes recruited the women through Tameside Women and Families Centre, the Jobcentre and other support services in the Dukinfield and Ashton area.

It was an unusual project for me as the brief wasn’t to create a piece of theatre but to deliver sessions that boosted participants’ confidence and skills, so that they could volunteer as Ushers in the Royal Exchange’s Pop-up Theatre, The Den.

The sessions really drew on all my experiences as a facilitator and had their challenges at times. Ultimately it was a huge success, with several participants gaining employment in the Front of House team at the end of the programme, something I’m very proud to have played a role in.

One Participant said:

“I wouldn’t leave Tameside; I was stuck in a rut. I actually visit Manchester now which I wouldn’t do because I had such a big fear of Manchester and terrorism and all the hype and because it is so busy and now I’ve even taken my family members in to Manchester…Even my husband has said “I’ve got my wife back”. I’m just so proud, and it just shows no matter what’s gone on in your life, no matter how down you’re feeling, get some help, leave the house, break the stigma – you can do it”