Platform 51

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Categories: crime, abuse and offending, jobs and work, press releases, regional news: north of England
Friday, 5 August 2011
Life changing job coup for Platform 51’s Natasha

One woman's dreams come true

Five years ago, Natasha Watkins fell through the doors at Platform 51 Doncaster, drunk and just out of prison after 20 previous custodial sentences. In July 2011 her dreams came true when Belinda Grashion offered her a job as an Office Administrator.

Belinda Grashion first came across Platform 51 in June when she attended a networking event in Doncaster for women-led businesses co-sponsored by Platform 51 in association with Icon Women, a social enterprise supporting women in business. Introduced to Natasha after the event, Belinda immediately appreciated the strong potential that Platform 51 saw in Natasha.

Belgray Properties Director, Belinda Grashion, commenting on why she had chosen to recruit Natasha, said: "Firstly I was impressed and moved by her story and her determination to carry on regardless. Her spirit shone through and she had a "will do" attitude; something that is difficult to impart in people. She had many skills that she did not appreciate in herself and I could clearly see these. She had already come a long way and I feel humbled and privileged to be able to offer her a position within our company. I know she will earn the respect and trust within our company and will become a valued member of staff"

As an Office Administrator Natasha will learn how to deal with customers, answer and make appointments, learn conveyancing procedures for house buying, research property prices and market conditions and general accounting.

Natasha's case is a clear example of how the work of Platform 51 can contribute to the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged women and how with appropriate support women can turn their lives around.  It is powerful evidence of how Platform 51's partnership programme with local employers can bring jobs and opportunities for women.

Hear Natasha and Belinda telling the story on BBC Radio Sheffield (skip to one hour 19 minutes of the podcast).