“Working alongside The Octopus Foundation has been an absolute pleasure and the services we have combined into the programme complement each other far more than we ever expected. Participants covered employability and communication skills with me and then utilised those skills in the workshop; and learned planning and presentation skills in the workshop which were then used in the employability sessions.  The Foundation itself is a perfect setting to allow the participants structured guided time but breakout space when they need it.  Liz and Jon were both as accommodating as family and as professional as educators, the perfect blend to allow participants to feel comfortable yet know the boundaries of the project and take every lesson as it was taught. All four of the participants on the programme received a huge benefit from their time at The Octopus Foundation and have reported feeling more confident and prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. Some of the 4 are moving on towards volunteering with Liz and Jon on a longer-term basis and one participant has been so inspired by the work, he is now taking steps towards a career in social/ community work. The Octopus Foundation has provided these participants a fantastic opportunity which I would love to see replicated in the future so that others can benefit as much as these 4 men have.

 5 stars. Keep doing what you are doing!”

“Having had 20+ years of health issues that set my confidence back somewhat I got in touch with RBLI regarding some training to help get my confidence back. They told me about Octopus running a short term weekly training session and it sounded interesting. I agreed and although a little nervous about joining and who I would be training with the course came around quickly. I have to say from day one it was nothing but a joy. Liz and Jon from the moment I walked through the door made me feel comfortable and welcome. Liz supplies the best cup of tea and a great selection of biscuits then Jon would take us in to the workshop and we were told what we will be doing in the weeks ahead. I consider myself a fairly good DIYer but Jon's teaching skills are so good and the manner in the way he teaches so friendly that I was finding things that I had been doing wrong for many years. I was very lucky that the other three gents on the course were a real joy to be around and made the whole experience one I would highly recommend to anyone, old or young.
Thank you so much Jon and Liz and I look forward to coming back again very soon”.