Even though I'm an English teacher at St Francis, I managed to find some time to put down my teaching hat and make some art at our Craft Club! 🖍️✨ I've never really thought of myself as an artist, although I've always enjoyed art. This time, I simply sat down without a plan. I chose the colours I liked that day and let my imagination take over. Before long, I found myself drawing an eye surrounded by brilliant, dazzling colours. 🌈👁️ At the time, I wasn't quite sure what it

This week, we helped a client to apply for Housing Payments (previously called Discretionary Housing Payments or DHP). This was to help towards a shortfall (or difference) between the Universal Credit Housing Costs (or Housing Benefit) she received and the actual rent ton the property her family was renting. She was paying £900 per month rent but was only getting £772 help towards it through benefits so we put a request in for help with the shortfall of £127 per month. If

Credit Rating Agencies such as Experian, Call Credit and Equifax who prepare credit reports show a score below 500 is considered as poor Having a poor credit score makes it harder to borrow money and get better deals on things like credit/store cards, insurances, utilities, loans, mortgages etc Lenders are likely to see you as more of a risk, so you’ve a higher chance of being refused credit You may also find that it is stopping you from renting privately as more landlords a

If you’re looking to grow your confidence speaking English, prepare for work or further study, or simply feel more comfortable with everyday life in the UK, our FREE ESOL classes can support you. Our lessons are open to adults of all levels, and everyone is welcome. 🌍 📍 St Francis Employability, St Francis Church, Links Road, Coventry, CV6 3DQ 📞 02476 266010 | 07555 607575 🌐 www.stfranciscoventry.org Get in touch and take the next step in your English learning journey.

A huge thank you to the lovely people at Radford & Holbrooks Methodist Church for their regular food donations to us at St Francis Employability! It is always a pleasure to welcome you, and we are so grateful for the kindness and care you bring with every visit. Your continued generosity helps us support people in our community and means so much to our team. Behind every donation are people giving their time and thinking of others. Thank you for continuing to show up for us a

We have now done two Employability classes with our new cohort and they are very eager to learn. On Monday they discussed class attitudes and I wrote them on the board. This is what they came up with! We want to be positive, friendly, non-judgemental, humble, patient and thoughtful towards each other. We want to be good at listening and help each other as well as willing to ask for help ourselves. It is good to share the knowledge we have and also to give each other space

When claiming Personal Independence Payments (PIP) - it is not about having a diagnosis but how that health issue affects your ability to carry out daily living tasks or moving around. The eligibility criteria for PIP are: you’re 16 or over you have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability you have difficulty doing certain everyday tasks or getting around you expect the difficulties to last for at least 12 months from when they started You also usually n

Our learners explored key motorway topics, including joining and exiting the motorway, lane rules, speed limits, overtaking, and what to do in the event of a breakdown. Learners worked together to create a motorway model, using different markings and signs to understand lanes, road positions and traffic flow in a practical and engaging way. Learners put their knowledge into practice by moving the vehicles around the motorway model and discussing different driving situations.

Today at St Francis Employability, we welcomed Sukhy from Warwickshire Police for an informative and engaging session that helped our clients build confidence and take away practical advice and fresh ideas. Our small group created a welcoming space for open conversation, questions and shared experiences. Participants contributed thoughtful points, making the discussion valuable for everyone involved. A big thank you to Sukhy for his time, encouragement and enthusiasm, and to

October is Stoptober, a great opportunity to take the first step towards a healthier, smoke-free future. Quitting smoking can have benefits for your health, wellbeing and finances – and it’s never too late to make a change. 💚 Thinking about quitting?✔️ Set a quit date✔️ Tell someone you trust✔️ Identify your triggers✔️ Get support when you need it✔️ Celebrate every smoke-free day Remember, you don’t have to do it alone. Support is available to help you quit. This Stoptober,

Vampire or Phantom devices refers to any device or appliance that even when not in use, still uses energy. It doesn’t sound a lot, but the average household spends £147 a year on invisible energy by leaving devices on standby. That can be up to 23% of your bill being wasted energy you have paid for. When your devices or appliances are not in use, switch off at the socket or pull the plug out so you are not wasting energy. Every cord that remains plugged in is pulling ener

We have made a online magazine that showcases a lot of what we have to offer here at St Francis Employability, please take a look! Online Flipbook #StFrancisEmployability

💚 Stronger Minds, Brighter Futures At St Francis Employability, we believe everyone should feel: Welcome • Supported • Valued • Connected This World Mental Health Day, let’s make time to talk, listen, connect and support one another. Good mental health helps us learn, grow and thrive. It’s okay to ask for help. #StFrancisEmployability #MentalHealth #WorldMentalHealthDay

St Francis Employability team David and Danielle were attending the DWP first jobs fair designed specifically for job seekers with neurodiversity, held at the Herbert Art Gallery the event was held in the large open space and with limited attendees and well spaced out tables it lead to a very relaxing atmosphere where our team could promote our employment support and volunteering opportunities. Not only that but this was the first time we have ever hosted out stand under Dipp

Are you ready to take your job search to the next level? Our Steps 2 Success course is a 10-week course designed for people who are ready for work and want to build confidence, strengthen their employment skills, and feel fully prepared for the modern job market. Learners will develop practical tools and techniques to support their next steps into employment. This includes areas such as tailoring CVs for different job applications, preparing for interviews, staying posi

Last week saw us help help a client apply for a Blue Badge which will be a huge benefit to them and their ability to go out. Could you be eligible? If you get Higher Rate Mobility element of DLA or score 8+ points in the “Moving Around” descriptor of Personal Independence Payment mobility component, you may be eligible for a Blue Badge. Need help to apply, please contact Nic on 07387 66 83 22. #StFrancisEmployability #Support #BlueBadge #Benefits #CouldYouBeEligible

Client given advice on claiming Pension Credit as they were struggling to pay their bills and buy food on their present income. A benefit check showed she was entitled to Pension Credit. Could you be eligible? If your total household income including any wages, private and state pensions is less than £227.10 per week as a single person or £346.60 as a couple and you have savings under £16,000, you may be entitled to this additional financial help from the DWP. Please call

Remember you must report any changes in your circumstances as soon as they happen to the DWP or Coventry Council, even if you're not sure whether they affect your benefits. This ensures you are not being overpaid benefits that you would need to pay back at a later date or it could mean an increase to your income. Examples of changes you must report include if: o You move house o Who lives with you changes o If you have a health issue (you may be entitled to more mone

Last week we assisted a client who was having problems with his Private Landlord. He was experiencing disrepair issues and the Landlord was not following the policies laid out in the new Renters Rights Act 2026 in giving the client adequate notice to leave. Unfortunately, it did lead to an illegal eviction and client had to report to the Council as homeless and is in the process of being rehoused but, in working with Coventry Council Housing Enforcement Team, we have assis

I am just preparing now for my new employability students and it is the 24th cohort I will have taught and it begins next week. I never get bored of it! I have seen so many students empowered with new job search, interview and teamwork skills and - very important - confidence! It has also been really good to see some gain employment! I had a previous student who came in today with a beaming face and told me how grateful she was for the skills she had previously learned. I am