- Eat That Frog CIC
Young adults and adults in Newton Abbot and Exeter are overcoming barriers by benefitting from employability focused training courses provided by Eat That Frog.
Your Path, Your Future is for individuals aged 16 to 24 and helps to strengthen life skills, boost confidence and help start planning for the future. The short course lasts for three weeks and comprises of working with a mentor to look at developing literacy skills including creating a CV, reading job adverts online, completing applications forms and reading for real life skills. Numeracy skills focus on budgeting and a transition to employment.
Stepping Stones helps individuals that are facing challenges like unemployment, low confidence or health issues to build confidence, strengthen essential skills and explore new opportunities. The course lasts for three weeks and covers literary skills, numeracy skills and digital skills. Digital skills covered include feeling safe online, how to send appropriate emails, creating an appropriate email to complete job searching and how to register for an online job search.
RS’s story
A learner identified as ‘RS,’ came to Eat That Frog CIC feeling uncertain about their future after college did not work out for them. This left them feeling lost with low confidence and limited understanding of what options were available. They wanted to regain direction and develop the skills needed to move forward into work or further learning.
RS joined the Essential Skills programme and received personalised support that focused on confidence employability and progression planning. Staff supported RS to create a strong CV and build cover letter writing skills that clearly reflected their abilities. RS was then guided through the process of applying for a local work experience role and completed a mock interview which although nerve wracking played a key role in building resilience and self-belief. Eat That Frog CIC also supported RS to secure an appointment with Learn Devon to explore further learning and work towards achieving a GCSE Grade 4.
The programme had a clear and positive impact on RS’s confidence motivation and readiness for next steps. RS now feels more capable of presenting themselves to employers and education providers and has developed the skills needed to actively pursue opportunities. The increase in confidence has enabled RS to identify a clear career interest in Business and take practical steps towards securing an apprenticeship.
Reflecting on their experience RS said: “The programme has been very helpful with boosting my confidence maths skills and interview skills.”
Both courses are based on practical skills that can help those attending get closer to the labour market. Learners can be referred to an Eat That Frog course through several methods. Individuals can self-refer via a form on the website, by phoning or by dropping into the session. Referrals can come from the job centre or from support workers who typically refer those in supported accommodation. Mentors often refer learners onto Learn Devon.
Approximately 20 learners have attended Your Path, Your Future and Stepping Stones in the last four months, each supported by a mentor offering personalised, one-to-one support. Holding group sessions allow learners to be supported in a peer-driven space which helps to build confidence, and communication and work-readiness skills.
To read about other courses available with Eat That Frog you can visit their website.
This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
- Soundart Radio
Soundart Radio is a full-time licenced community station, broadcasting online and on FM in the Totnes area since 2006.
Listen, Play, Experiment was a course of inclusive and experimental group radio shows for individuals aged 16+ to try something new, meet one another and develop their interests whilst building confidence and communication skills through broadcasting together.
Each programme was facilitated by an artist with 10+ participants who shaped ideas for their show, using technology to broadcast live to share their creations and learnings with the wider community. People were welcome to join as a one-off experience or on a regular basis.
Shows were split into the three categories of listen, play and experiment. Listen covered field recording and sound with Tony Whitehead. Play encompassed music, theatre and improvisation with Ergo Phizmiz and Lottie Depresstival. Experiment investigated the world through science and research with Jessica Langton. No previous radio experience was needed to join a course. Each session involved an introduction to broadcasting and previous week’s themes before chatting and creating on air together. There were opportunities to get involved behind the scenes as well as speaking on air.
The three series were hosted at Soundart Radio’s community studio at Dartington, near Totnes. Soundart also revived their mobile studio so that those based further from the station, in rural isolation or with complex access requirements could take part in the project, broadcasting live from their locations. This involved collaborating with 10 local partner organisations to design and deliver inclusive courses. The project was celebrated at ‘First Spark’ Soundart Radio’s festival transmission, coinciding with Imbolc and the first signs of spring. Participants and partners showcased their work through performance and broadcast at a vibrant community event.
Listen, Play, Experiment has been accessed by 188 individuals, helping them to develop their confidence and skills and try something new for their wellbeing and for something unique for their CV.
Soundart Radio is a full time independent, non-commercial, licensed community radio station reaching audiences locally, nationally and internationally. They provide the space, resources, airwaves and inspiration for anyone who gets in touch to develop and broadcast their ideas.
Learner story
“I attended Listen! and came away with a whole new perspective on sensing the world. I was drawn to the workshop because I wanted to learn new technical skills in recording and to experience the craft of field recording. I was also interested in pushing myself to meet new people, speak publicly in the broadcast and see what it is like to be part of a live radio show.
From the beginning I was warmly welcomed and made to feel not like a novice but an explorer. Tony’s experience and skill in facilitating brought to life the practice of recording. His expertise in field recording and Chris’s knowledge of sound art blending into a workshop that within the sound recording sector, I imagine would usually be inaccessible to me. This was a free event and for that I’m grateful.
It gave me confidence, inspiration, I socialised for the first time in ages and felt part of something genuinely community rooted. I came away with new skills and have since built on this to gain work on an ecological art project.
Soundart is an incredible institution and its cultural value is priceless. They work tirelessly to include and give voice to communities.”
- Devon Communities Together
Devon Communities Together are working in partnership with Wellmoor to support people in rural and coastal communities across Devon to build confidence and improve their digital skills through Digital Skills Devon. It aims to provide personal, tailored support for individuals in rural and coastal communities across Devon who are lacking in skills and confidence in particular online tasks.
So far, 54 people have completed Digital Skills Devon courses, with 22 additional participants currently working with Devon Communities Together and Wellmoor to build their digital confidence and capability each with five hours of support.
The course is based around real life situations. For example, participants may learn how to complete an online food shop, use the NHS app to access healthcare, check their energy usage, or join an online chat to connect with friends and family. Each participant receives 1:1 tailored support, focusing on what matters most to them.
Digital Skills Devon also provides training for staff and volunteers who support people experiencing digital exclusion or low digital confidence. This training helps teams to understand and use the Digital Skills Framework, enabling them to identify skills gaps and learning opportunities. In December 2025, six organisations accessed this training, with another seven organisations booked for February 2025.
AE’s story
‘AE’ is a retired woman living in Okehampton. She was targeted by a hacker who accessed her laptop and withdrew money via her PayPal account. She shared with staff, “I don’t have a landline, but I’m anxious about using my mobile phone. I am worried about another scam”.
Looking to improve her online safety, AE attended a Wellmoor digital support session at Okehampton Library. Support providers helped her set up strong passwords, use a secure browser and recognise suspicious emails or phone calls. They also explained how to keep her bank details and account information safe.
After the session, AE said “the support was exactly what I needed, I could ask questions and the positive approach was helpful.”
AE later attended a follow up session and told the team “It’s good to have a plan and to know how to get more support. You should run these sessions every week!”
To read more about other courses available visit the Devon Communities Together website.
- I can do that! CIC
I can do that! CIC are offering 10 weeks of 1:1 support to 16 to 65-year-olds that are unemployed or working part time in Teignbridge, Exeter and South Hams. 49 people have accessed the course that aims to make participants more confidence so they can enter work or education or improve their work situation.
Participants are assessed on their skills, including maths and English, in their first session and then work with their mentor to develop a SMART plan for the remaining weeks. The provision covers all needs including areas such as vocational skills, budgeting help and independent living skills.
By working collaboratively with partner organisations, I can do that! CIC helps to provide wraparound support to the participants. With access to a small budget for vocational courses, learners can complete certificates to improve employability such as Food Hygiene, Manual Handling and Working at Heights.
Participants also receive financial guidance, including “better off in work” calculations and budgeting support. These optional opportunities help build skills and confidence for individuals on their journey into sustainable employment. 1:1 mentoring supports participants to become work-ready, helping them feel more settled and secure.
M’s story
Since joining the Future Foundations programme with I Can Do That! CIC, M has made remarkable progress in building confidence and reducing anxiety. When he first started, he was unsure about his next steps, but through consistent support and encouragement, he has developed a much clearer direction for his future.
M received 1:1 support over 10 sessions, arranged at times and locations convenient for him. This flexible and personalised approach helped him feel comfortable, supported, and able to work at his own pace.
M has always wanted to become a bus driver, a goal he has held for many years. Through the programme, he received guidance on how to turn this long-term ambition into a realistic plan. Together, M and his mentor researched local bus and coach driver opportunities and confirmed strong demand for these qualifications in the area. They also explored how achieving this goal would improve his financial situation, giving him a clear understanding of the benefits of employment in this field.
As his confidence grew, M made the decision to self-fund a coach driving course. This represented a major milestone that demonstrated his determination and independence. He has also chosen to improve his core maths and English skills, and I Can Do That! CIC has contacted Learn Devon to help him enrol in suitable courses.
Recently, M completed an online forklift training course which is something he says he would not have felt confident attempting before joining the programme. This achievement highlights just how far he has come in overcoming self-doubt and taking control of his own learning and development.
M’s journey is an inspiring example of what can happen when opportunity, encouragement, and self-belief come together.
To read more about I can do that! CIC visit their website.