Six jobs are available via this Manchester-based initiative
While the pandemic continues to ravage lives, issues like food poverty and homelessness that affect far too many in our communities haven’t gone away.
News of the woeful school lunch packages produced by private catering company Chartwells this week is just the latest in a long line of examples of the shameful lack of real support provided by the government for people in need.
The objective of this pilot scheme is to help six people with experience of homelessness into employment
Food poverty and homelessness are systemic problems and neither of these should be happening to the extent they currently are. The situation has also been exacerbated by the mismanagement of the pandemic.
But while there are people in desperate need of support in our communities, thank goodness for initiatives like Mustard Tree. This Manchester institution has been tackling the causes and consequences of poverty since 1994 and continues its tireless work supporting people experiencing homelessness and all that comes with it.
A huge part of the work Mustard Tree does is in building back lost confidence in some of the most disadvantaged and marginalised people in our communities. This could be in encouraging self-expression through creative workshops, improving health and wellbeing, building friendship and support systems or vocational training leading to opportunities to find work.
This Thursday, 14th January, Mustard Tree’s Ancoats hub is hosting its second open day for the Going Forward into Employment pilot. The objective of this pilot scheme is to help six people with experience of homelessness into employment with the Department of Work and Pensions - in conjunction with the Booth Centre, Back on Track and Business in the Community.
Opportunities available include work placements and fixed term contracts across the Civil Service – which can lead to permanent employment.
The pilot’s focus is to provide a means of support to help people with lived experience of homelessness complete the application process. It will also provide support with career development for candidates successful in gaining a post.
Do you know someone who is currently/formally homeless and looking to get into work?
Our second 'Going Forward into Employment' pilot with @DWP could provide the opportunity they're looking for.
Find out more and register your interest for the open day: https://t.co/6IGJUjlld7 pic.twitter.com/vLNaF1rbXP
— Mustard Tree (@MustardTreeMCR) January 7, 2021
Jack Barton, Communications Manager from Mustard Tree, said:
"This is fantastic opportunity for somebody who may have previously been marginalised or disadvantaged due to their background or circumstances. We're delighted to be working alongside the DWP and fellow Manchester-based organisations to make these opportunities available to our clients and trainees".
Due to national lockdown restrictions, limited numbers can be accommodated on site. Candidates who register their interest will be given the option to join the open day remotely – if they have access to a computer/laptop with webcam. Those who don’t will be invited to join from the Mustard Tree’s hub, where access to a computer/laptop will be provided.
If you or somebody you know could benefit from this scheme, please register your interest to attend the open day - or request more info - by emailing recruitment@mustardtree.org.uk or calling 0161 228 7331.
Mustard Tree, 110 Oldham Rd, Ancoats, Manchester M4 6AG
