“My name is Tabassum and I am a full time homemaker (sounds like a posh profession). I have 5 children, all girls, aged between 6 to 20 years old. When my youngest went on to full-time education, 18 months ago, she told me to do some courses for myself. It was then that I came to F.W.A. I started on the History of Britain course led by 2 community volunteers. It was from there that my learning journey began. From that course I ended up doing more courses at F.W.A and eventually became a volunteer. I have completed various courses e.g. Citizenship, Mental Health Awareness Level 1, English Functional Skills, Advanced Community Interpreting and Peer Parent Mentoring. I have helped to develop, finalise and implement the Business Plan. This has enabled me to understand finances and gain better understanding of administration of the organisation. This has helped me gain better insight and understanding of how F.W.A runs and funds itself. We have discussed fundraising and marketing strategies with Voluntary Action Oldham and I went away with a great deal of new information. As volunteers we are now going to manage a project which helps vulnerable women living with depression and isolation to come out of their comfort zone and gain some confidence. I have enjoyed attending all my courses and having my thoughts and views highly appreciated. F.W.A is a blessing in disguise for our community and our women. It is a stepping stone for our women to be pointed out in the right direction, especially women who do not speak fluent English.”