Frequently asked questions
Who can take part in the course?
Any spouse/civil partner or long term partner of someone who is serving full time in the UK Armed Forces. Unfortunately, it is NOT open for spouses of Reservists or Veterans.
The course is provided through Warwickshire County Council. Do I need to live in Warwickshire to attend?
No. You don’t need to live in Warwickshire or have any connection to Warwickshire. We are offering this opportunity nationally/internationally. Through colleagues in the Naval, Army and RAF Families Federations and others we are making this opportunity as widely available as possible. The course will be available online.
When does the course take place?
The course will take place on a Tuesday, 1pm - 2.30pm. Each session lasts 1.5 hours although there may be some work to do between sessions. There will be 10 places available
How long does the course last for?
There will be an individual 1:1 coaching session at the beginning and end of the programme with 10 weekly group coaching sessions between April and June (Cohort 5) and September and December (Cohort 6). There is no break for Half Term for Cohort 5.
How much does it cost?
The course is free. It is funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and Warwickshire County Council.
What will the course cover?
The course is completely online and will cover the following 10 sessions:
- Getting to know each other and setting a good foundation
- Where are you now? Reflect and reconnect
- What is it that you really want? Refocus and recommit
- What’s stopping you? – Barriers
- A closer look at what’s stopping you
- Pulling it all together
- Exploration of options such as Social Media Spouses, Unsung Hero, Running a Business, Careers Guidance as well as individual 1:1 session for each participant
- As per week 7
- As per week 7
- Review, evaluate and celebrate
The course will involve both 1:1 sessions with a coach at the beginning and end of the course as well as group coaching throughout. Taster sessions will also be offered from a range of organisations providing support, training and guidance for UK Armed Forces spouses.
Who is providing the training/coaching?
The coach is Tina Smith, who is a Professional Certified Coach with the International Coach Federation and has been a coach for over 10 years. Tina is also employed by Adult and Community Learning Services of Warwickshire County Council to provide a range of coaching and training courses. Tina specialises in delivering courses to women who are experiencing changes in their lives in a number of ways.
What equipment do I need to take part?
You will need a laptop, pc or tablet with a camera, speakers and microphone. You will also need a stable broadband connection and, given the length of the session, access to direct power rather than relying on battery power.
What do people say about the course?
This quote comes from a Service spouse who completed the programme in 2021:
"I am feeling so much more confident with personal growth and work/career. The course has really helped me get a focus on which direction I want to take. Before the course I felt stuck. Sharing a common ground with the other learners and having one to ones with Tina has been fantastic. Tina gave me real grounding and clarity. I felt so much more confident to move forward with my career choices and belief in myself. This course is a must for anyone like me. I am very grateful for being given the chance to join. I am feeling more positive about my future and what I can achieve.” - Nina
How do I get onto the course?
Submit your application by midnight Monday 26 February 2024 to be considered for one of the 10 available places per cohort.
How many places are available?
There will be 10 places available per cohort.