Adult’s lives have changed for the better thanks to a North East Lincolnshire organisation offering opportunities and support for residents.
Taking Action Raising Grimsby’s Emerging Talents (TARGET NEL CIC) offers training schemes, employment support and other educational benefits for both young and old. It combines lived experience with professional expertise to shape inclusive, responsive services that foster personal growth, community development, and long-term employment.
Working in partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council, TARGET support the Adult Careers Team in their delivery of the careerShift programme and is also commissioned to deliver the Education Other Than at School (EOTAS) model.
For many, this organisation has proved invaluable by giving them everything they needed to make a positive difference to their lives through the Train 2 Employ programme. The 12-week initiative gives adults passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people a chance to undertake CPD-certified training, alongside hands on experience and holistic support like counselling.
The words of participants speak for themselves:
Zee’s story
After 16 years away from employment, Zeina ‘Zee’ Besson joined Train 2 Employ feeling uncertain about her future. With a background as a mechanic, she struggled to see how her skills could translate into working with children. As a mum of four, including a son who is registered blind and has a learning disability, the idea of returning to work felt overwhelming.
Through the Train 2 Employ programme, Zee received training that helped her rebuild her confidence and sense of self-worth. The experience reignited her belief in her own potential and opened new doors to a career supporting young people.
Reflecting on her journey, Zee said: “Six months ago, I wouldn’t have recognised the person I am today. I thought I wanted to be a mechanic, but TARGET gave me the opportunity to find the career I didn’t know I wanted and would love.
“Now, I’m healthier not just in my head but in my heart. I’m not just somebody’s mum anymore; I have a life, I have friends, and I enjoy getting up in the morning.”
Watch Zee’s full story below:
Billy’s story
Billy Madison first discovered Train 2 Employ while taking part in the Adult Careers Team’s careerShift programme, where he connected with mentor Joanne. Through team-building exercises and one-to-one support, Billy began to rediscover a new sense of purpose. As a dad, Billy found that the skills and insights he gained at TARGET NEL didn’t just stay at work, but they made a real difference at home too.
Billy shared: “Before careerShift, I was struggling with depression and trying everything to feel better. Getting this job helped boost me out of it. The people I work with are a huge support group – it’s just a big work family. Every day is so rewarding, and I’d 100% recommend it.”
Now, Billy uses his newfound skills and helps deliver TARGET’s sessions at careerShift.
“It’s a real full circle moment,” he added.
Watch Billy’s full story below:
Sonya’s story
Sonya Rowbotham brings over 26 years of personal experience as a parent of two SEND children into her professional role. Her insights into alternative schooling provisions allows her to connect with the young people and families she supports, especially with TARGET’s provision of EOTAS.
Sonya said: “I guess I can give a little bit back from my experiences to help parents and carers and the children that we get. It’s that validation that helps people feel heard.”
After rebuilding her confidence through the Train 2 Employ programme, Sonya credits the supportive environment that has helped her build her skills and thrive in her career as a SEND support worker at TARGET.
Watch Sonya’s full story below:
Joanne Lord, Founder and Managing Director of TARGET NEL CIC, said: “For years I dreamed of empowering people and supporting young people, showing them just how valuable their skills and passions are. Watching Billy, Zee and Sonya grow so much in such a short time during our pilot has been nothing short of inspiring, and I feel humbled and proud to walk alongside them on this journey.
“At TARGET NEL CIC, we hold three key values: wellbeing and reducing barriers, people over paper, and experience shapes service. This creates the cycle of shared growth, real-world insight and continuous improvement that we’ve achieved at TARGET, and I’m excited to share that this journey will continue to strengthen and grow through the partnership with the NELC Adult Careers Service and the opening of the Careers Café.”
The Careers Café will open later this year in Grimsby’s Freshney Place, offering residents a welcoming, drop-in space for guidance on careers, skills, and training opportunities.
Councillor Philip Jackson, Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Economy, Devolution and Skills, added: “These success stories are exactly why we support organisations like TARGET NEL. We want North East Lincolnshire to be a place filled with people who have the skills they need to succeed in life, and the work TARGET NEL do is invaluable to people like Billy, Sonya and Zee, with many others having benefitted too.
“I would urge anyone who is thinking about getting in touch not to hesitate. Taking part in these courses could be the start of a brand-new job or just one way to better yourself for the future.”
For more information about TARGET NEL and their programmes, visit https://targetnel.co.uk.
For general careers advice and support, contact North East Lincolnshire Council’s Adult Careers Team at [email protected] or call 01472 323540.
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