An EU-funded programme to help people get back to work in Borehamwood has been hailed as an “incredible success”.

An awards ceremony was held to celebrate the end of Community Action Hertsmere’s ‘Confidence and Getting Back to Work’ programme on Friday, July 17 at Windsor Hall in Blythe Close.

A total of 18 people finished the ten-week course, which gave help and training with job interviews and CVs, and was made possible by £18,000 from the European Social Fund.

Half of its graduates are now in work, two have gone into further education, two are self-employed, and the rest are volunteering.

Jennifer Reefe, training and development manager from Community Action Hertsmere, oversaw the programme.

She said: “It has been incredibly successful. They have been supported in all aspects of their own development.

“There are lots of barriers people have to overcome and this was an opportunity to explore their potential. If you don’t believe in yourself you will never go for the job.

“It was a shame that not many more people took it up in a way. I think there will always be funding but it is erratic.”

Labour MEP for the East of England, Richard Howitt, joined the ceremony to present certificates to graduates.

Mr Howitt, who fought for the European money to fund the course, said: “It’s outstanding. This is about transforming people’s lives from a position where they are feeling isolated at home, and where the barriers to returning to society and a full life seem insuperably high. This money is helping people pull those barriers down.

“It shows there are people in Hertsmere really struggling at home with long term unemployment who needed help, and I am so pleased European funding helped Community Action come to their aid.”

Mr Howitt, who was first elected to the European Parliament in 1994, said it was an example of the positive impact of the EU.

He added: “There are hundreds of projects like this across Hertsmere. It’s an example of what I am doing, and what Europe is doing for our country.

“It is inspiring to see lives changed in Borehamwood like this. I have been at meetings in Brussells the past three days, and it is very hard work. You come here and it certainly makes it all worthwhile.”

Rex Dunwoody, 45, of Farriers Way, Borehamwood, was among the graduates celebrating.

He said: “It built my confidence up for facing interviews, and taught me to prepare for them properly. We got to know everybody really well. I would definitely like to see more of these sort of programmes.”

Mr Dunwoody is now working for Community Action Hertsmere as a volunteer administrator.

Nelja Ruiz, 47, of St Albans, also completed the course.

She said: “It taught me to believe in myself and my abilities, to put myself out there and get the job I deserve. I got a great CV, and we got advice on how to approach interviews successfully.

“Every week we did something different. Not just to prepare your CV, but as a person as a whole.”

Ms Ruiz now works for Community Action Hertsmere as a project worker, and volunteers at The Community Shop, in Leeming Road, where she runs an arts and craft groups.

She added: “It’s a great place to be, I find it really rewarding. We do a lot for the local community.”

The ceremony on Friday also celebrated the Livewell 50+ project, an 18-month long programme which has come to an end.