The National Trust in Bristol has been working in partnership with Business in the Community in its Ready for Work programme, which aims to get people off the streets and into jobs.
Alongside companies such as John Lewis Partnership, Cadbury Trebor Bassett, Jobcentre Plus, BUPA Hospitals and Hilton Hotels, we’ve been offering placements being run by Business Action on Homelessness, which aims to get businesses involved in making a real difference to the lives of Bristol’s homeless community.
After a two day pre-employment training course called Ready to Go, the candidates are placed in different work environments, depending upon their experience and interests. Candidates are assigned a buddy to support them as they (re)familiarise themselve with the world of work.
The Trust was the only organisation offering outdoor placements to candidates. We were keen to use the Trust’s inspirational venues to help participants regain their confidence. Initially, three placements were successfully organised, with tangible results in terms of the participants' increase in self-confidence and belief in their own ability. The participants undertook important conservation work, working with a small team of dedicated staff and volunteers.
More case studies from the Bristol Community Involvement project:
|
