Meet Glynis Werndly, a dedicated key worker for Kyra’s Rise2Thrive program, which supports vulnerable women in gaining confidence and skills for re-entering the job market.

In today’s post, we’ll explore the impact of Rise2Thrive, the unique challenges women face in finding employment, and the vital role Glynis plays in their transformative journeys.

What does Rise2Thrive do?

Kyra’s Rise2Thrive program is all about empowering women to gain the confidence, skills, and experience they need to re-enter the workplace.

The program is designed to provide comprehensive, tailored support through one-on-one mentoring with key workers like Glynis. This includes everything from job search assistance to practical advice on writing CVs, preparing for interviews, and personalised coaching to help overcome the unique barriers that each member faces.

Members on the Rise2Thrive program can also access the additional resources that Kyra offers, like counselling, social meet ups, and courses in cooking, financial literacy, and positive thinking – just to name a few!

Since its launch last year, Rise2Thrive has already seen significant success. Two of our participants have secured jobs, a testament to their determination and the effectiveness of the support they’ve received from Glynis and the program.

What barriers do women face to employment?

As of June 2024, there are approximately 673,000 unemployed women in the UK, many of whom face unique challenges in securing employment. A big factor is caregiving responsibilities at home—women are 50% more likely than men to be primary caregivers for children or elderly relatives and often take on much more of this intensive, unpaid care. These extra responsibilities can limit their ability to work full-time or maintain continuous employment.

Plus, the prevalence of part-time work among women often means lower wages and greater job vulnerability.

These factors, combined with the pressures of unemployment, can lead to increased anxiety and depression, making it even more difficult for women to find and keep a job.

Programs like Rise2Thrive are crucial here, because they offer more than just job search assistance—they provide the emotional support and confidence-building that women need to overcome these barriers and thrive in the job market.

What does Glynis do on Rise2Thrive?

Glynis, together with her colleague Laura Copeland, works closely with each participant in the Rise2Thrive program.

Together, they provide tailored support and guidance, helping women navigate the often-daunting job search process. For those who have been out of the workforce for a while, this process can be especially intimidating. A gap in employment, unfamiliarity with new technologies, or simply the fear of rejection can make re-entering the job market feel really overwhelming.

But Glynis’s impact goes beyond job placement—she is deeply committed to helping women regain the confidence and self-esteem so important for re-entering the workforce. She takes the time to understand each woman’s unique challenges, offering compassionate, personalised guidance to help them overcome barriers and achieve their goals.

What’s in the future for Rise2Thrive?

Glynis is excited about what’s ahead for Rise2Thrive, looking forward to welcoming more women into the program and celebrating their successes as they take steps toward brighter futures.

The successes of Rise2Thrive so far are a testament to the program’s positive impact on participants’ lives, helping women regain confidence and step back into the workforce.

We encourage you to learn more about Kyra’s programs, support our initiatives, or get involved in any way you can.