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It is not about a diagnosis
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
12 hours ago


Learning About Motorway Driving Through Practical Activities!
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.
2 days ago


Learning and Growing Together
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
3 days ago


🚭 Stoptober – Time to Quit Smoking!
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,
4 days ago


What Are Vampire Devices?
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
4 days ago


Want to know more about what we do!!
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
4 days ago


WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY10 OCTOBER
💚 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
6 days ago


St Francis Employability support the DWP's first Neurodiverse jobs fair.
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
Oct 9


Steps 2 Success
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
Oct 8


Blue Badge
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
Oct 8


Are you or a family member missing out on the extra financial support Pension Credit could bring?
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
Oct 7


Managing changes to your circumstances
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
Oct 7


Rogue Landlords
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
Oct 6


New Students - welcome!
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
Oct 6


🌙Reach for the Stars! 💫
The Moon The Eagle Nebula The Rosetta Nebula The Horsehead Nebula One of our volunteers recently shared something truly amazing with us, his hobby of space photography 📸🔭 He kindly shared some incredible photographs of the Moon 🌚, the Rosette Nebula 🌹, and the Horsehead Nebula 🐴 … and honestly, they are absolutely amazing! 🤯🤩🌌 This volunteer kindly shared an interesting fact... We wouldn't be able to see the colours in these photographs without the use of special came
Oct 6


A big thank you to the National Careers Service!
We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the National Careers Service for supporting our clients at St Francis Employability over the past two quarters. Having Xolani with us every Friday has been incredibly valuable. Her guidance, encouragement and practical advice have helped our clients explore their options, build confidence and take positive steps towards employment. Thank you, Xolani, and the whole team for your dedication and the care you bring to your work. We
Oct 6


Beware of Loan Sharks!
WHAT IS A LOAN SHARK? All money lenders must be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to legally lend money. They generally operate outside the formal financial system, bypassing the regulations that apply to banks or licensed lenders. If a lender is not authorised, they are committing a criminal offence. These unauthorised lenders are known as loan sharks. There are 1.08 million people in debt to a loan shark in England. Loan sharks provide quick "informal" loa
Oct 5


Building futures in Coventry with The Hill Group
A huge thank you to Sophie from The Hill Group for visiting St Francis Employability last week and delivering such an engaging and informative employer session! It was fantastic to see such a great turnout and genuine interest in the opportunities available within the construction industry. Our participants gained valuable insights into The Hill Group, its projects, career pathways, entry requirements, CSCS cards and interview preparation, alongside practical advice on taking
Oct 5


What is the Big Difference Scheme (BDS)?
The scheme is designed to help those in receipt of a low income and struggling to pay their water charges, ensuring that water bills remain affordable for all customers. The BDS offers: Discounts on Water Bills: Eligible customers can receive a discount on their Severn Trent water bill, potentially up to 70% off the average bill. Payment Plans: The scheme designates a new payment plan for customers, which includes payments towards any outstanding debt on the account. Pa
Oct 3


🍰 Idioms: It’s a Piece of Cake!
Can you guess what this idiom means? 🤔💭Think you know the answer? Share it in the comments! 👇 And while you’re at it, can you think of any other fun English idioms? 💬✨
Oct 2
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