As a Probation Practitioner working across KSS Probation Women’s Projects, I have seen first-hand the invaluable work that #SheMatters Employment Network is doing with the women we work with. Many women will come to us needing different levels of support and across many areas and one of the most important aspects is training and employment. The level of knowledge that Jay and the team provide to the women is impressive. Jay’s commitment and enthusiasm, and seemingly boundless energy as well as her ability to recognise exactly what the women need and what they themselves are capable of achieving is giving so much to these individuals. The work of #Shematters has really added quality intervention to the women we see at our projects and continues to do so.

Women who have worked with Jay are being given awareness of their own skills and capabilities, with real opportunities being identified and specific support that the women would not have had otherwise. Feedback from all of the women we have linked in with this service has been positive; recognition of their skills has provided confidence, opening of real opportunities providing them with hope as they overcome barriers they didn’t previously think possible. We have observed that real guidance, increased knowledge and valued support is provided to the women attending our projects by being linked in with Jay and the team.

#Shematters are a joy to work with, with genuine enthusiasm, knowledge, positivity and communication as well as a shared commitment to achieving the best for those women we work with.

We received nothing but positive feedback from the women attending several of our projects who completed the “Flourish” and “Understanding Forgiveness” courses provided by #Shematters. These courses have had such a positive impact and are still mentioned months later by women who attended them, who we can see genuinely gained insight, an increase in positivity, confidence and in their wellbeing. The courses are interesting, pitched perfectly and delivered with clarity. We are extremely keen to continue the positive working with #Shematters and have the regular, consistent support available to the women who attend our projects, provided by the Employment Network as well as the provision of the courses run by Jay and the #Shematters team.

The Employment Network has become an important partner to Probation and the support it provides to women is clear in both engagement and outcomes. Jay is a pleasure to work with and brings a high level of knowledge professionalism and commitment to her role. It is clear how passionate she is about supporting women to make positive and lasting changes.

Her lived experience adds real value to the service and helps women to relate to her in a way that builds trust and openness. This has been particularly important for women who have experienced trauma or have struggled to engage with services in the past. The one to one support she offers is consistent and personable and allows women to feel heard understood and supported at their own pace.

The courses and workshops delivered through the #SheMatters Employment Network are a strong addition to the support available within probation. They give women practical skills linked to employability while also helping to build confidence improve wellbeing and encourage a more positive mindset. The group sessions work well alongside one to one support as they allow women to learn from others and feel less isolated in their experiences. This complements the work of probation and supports women to move forward in a more structured and supported way.

The partnership supports shared aims around increasing access to employment education and training while also helping women to build confidence stability and a sense of purpose. Working together allows for a more joined up approach which benefits women both in the community and those preparing for release from custody. It helps women to develop skills they can use in real situations and supports longer term progress.

The Employment Network is a valued service and Jay’s approach makes a noticeable difference to the women we work with as they begin to move towards employment and more positive futures.

The most important thing I want everyone to understand about this testimony is without Jay; I had no future.

Working with Jay and the employment network has given me hope. Given me the reason to keep going. When you are in the Criminal Justice System and “google” your future, it pretty much comes back as, “sorry you have no future” but with Jay and the employment network, you have a future. 

The work that Jay does, telling her story, showing others it doesn’t have to be this way is inspiring. I’ve spoken to other women in the probation group that feel the same and I’ve said speak to Jay, if she can help she will.

#shematters is so important to every woman going through the system. Women need this, it is a simple, easy, no pressure environment and what I really like is talent is identified, and the opportunity is there, but it’s your choice if you want to do it. No pressure, no expectations. 

I still have to pinch myself everyday since speaking to Jay, that I am getting to do my dream job, Dog grooming. The ease, the support, the “it’s happening” approach is amazing. You know where you are, you know what’s happening and more importantly you know you are not going to be let down.

The network has so much to offer others and to be a part of this feels like a privilege, a second chance at life. So please keep doing what you are doing and don’t give up on women. 

Finally, Jay has inspired me, not only to take this Doggy Grooming to the next level, but also to give back. I want to shout from the roof tops to tell everyone about this service because it can save so many women. I feel good enough again and not a reject of society. 

I have nothing to say about Jay to improve in, apart from (and she knows this) she needs to see her worth and how amazing the work she is doing is. If we had more Jay’s in the world it would be a much better place to live. 

However, #shematters scream about your service, let people know what you do, get the support and help because there are many women in this world that need this.

Thank you to Jay and the network for giving me my life back. Forever I will remember the day I met Jay and my life changed forever.

While being involved in the Criminal Justice System, I have been working closely with Jay at the #Shematters Employment Network and the support I have received has been consistent and encouraging. 

She has actively engaged with me throughout my journey, regularly checking in, offering guidance, and helping me stay motivated towards employment and positive change. 

Whenever I have had questions, concerns, or needed reassurance, she has always been available and willing to support me. 

Her encouragement and ongoing presence have made a real difference in helping me build confidence, remain focused, and take positive steps forward.

It’s clear to see that Jay is someone who wants to make a difference and knock down barriers and I truly believe that she will!

Thank you Jay.

I had been through so many struggles, knock backs, and disappointments that my confidence was at an all-time low.

Every rejection made me doubt myself more and more, and there were times I truly felt like giving up on finding work again.

But I was referred to Jay at SheMatters Employment Network and this changed everything for me. Jay didn’t just help me search for a job; she helped me rebuild my confidence, believe in myself again, and realise my worth.

The support, encouragement, and guidance I received throughout the process was life changing. Jay especially played a massive part in my journey. Jay believed in me when I struggled to believe in myself. She constantly encouraged me, pushed me forward, and reminded me that my past struggles did not define my future. Her patience, kindness, and determination helped shape me into the person I am today. Because of her support, I walked into opportunities with confidence instead of fear.

Thanks to the Employment Network and Jay’s support, I successfully got a job after thinking it would never happen for me. I will always be grateful for everything Jay has done.

Jay gave me hope at a time when I had very little left, and they truly changed my life for the better.

No matter how low your confidence feels or how many knock backs you have faced, #SheMatters shows you that you still matter, and that there is always a way forward.