A trio of charities, who teamed up to get homeless people in Manchester off the streets and into the workplace, announced they have changed the lives of 400 eager workers in just three years.
The Employment Task Group, made up of the Booth Centre, Mustard Tree and Business in the Community, provides different routes towards employment for some of the most vulnerable people in the city.
In addition to the 400 people who have found work as a result of the partnership, a further 730 have benefitted from training, education or volunteering.
Amanda Croome, MBE, from the Booth Centre, said: “It is only through collaboration and partnership that we can offer a life-line to people facing homelessness in Manchester.
“Booth Centre is proud to be part of a partnership that prevents homelessness and rough sleeping by giving people access to the right support they need to access employment and build a better life for themselves.”
The range of expertise offered by each organisation means that the partnership can provide help for Manchester residents at any stage of their journey into employment.
One man, whose identity has been protected, was helped by the scheme when he found himself unemployed with nowhere to live.
Unable to access benefits, he ended up on the streets but support from the Booth Centre helped him find his feet and, when he was ready, he was referred to Business in the Community to take part in the Ready for Work initiative.
With accommodation provided by Booth Centre, he was able to successfully complete Ready for Work training and a two week work placement with a national retailer.
With new found confidence and one-to-one support from the local Ready for Work team, the man found a full-time permanent job as a kitchen porter.
Raksha Pattni, Area Director at Business in the Community added: “The success of the Manchester Employment Task Group would not be possible without the support of Manchester City Council and local businesses.
“With their continued recognition of employment as a crucial, long-term solution to homelessness, we look forward to offering a tailored route into employment for many more people with a homeless background over the coming year.”
Image courtesy of Md, via Flickr, with thanks
