Case Studies
Emma Kirtley

Emma Kirtley

Emma was a 22 year old when she registered with PIE in September 2006 to take part on a Course for Carers “Learning for Living”. She had left school with few qualifications, no job and was the primary carer for her father.

When she started the course Emma was quiet and shy and little confidence but with the support of the tutor and the group she successfully completed.

During advice and guidance session with PIE staff Emma was unsure of the opportunities for employment but expressed an interest in furthering her education in a less formal way and signed up to Learn Direct to improve her Literacy and numeracy skills. Again she was successful and armed with this new confidence in her ability to learn she was encouraged to go forward with her hope to take up courses in alternative therapy courses.

Emma enrolled with the City of Sunderland College and completed a diploma in Body Massage and Reflexology in 2008. She went on to complete a course of Indian Head massage aromatherapy and Hot Stone Therapy and with the help of PIE she became a Member of Associated Beauty Therapists and has been volunteering with the Bridge Project in Washington to gain the experience she felt she needed before taking the huge step of setting up her own business DREAM THEREAPY in Blandford Street Sunderland which opened two weeks ago above the Health Rack.

People into Employment, Shaw Trust, Sunderland Social Enterprise and Working Link all worked together to ensure Emma has the best start possible.

Well-done Emma