How Crisis charity gets those on the streets ‘working’ their way back into society
Crisis charity's Employment Platform helping the homeless find work - Credit: Archant
Firms and public organisations have been helping a campaign to get the homeless into work.
They have been taking part in Employment Platform 2015 organised by the Crisis homeless charity’s Whitechapel headquarters.
“Being out of work is both a major cause and consequence of homelessness,” the charity’s chief executive Jon Sparkes points out. “But being without a roof over their head is devastating—it leaves people vulnerable and isolated.”
The charity runs courses at its Whitechapel centre helping people get back on their feet and uses its annual Employment Platform to bring together anyone on the streets looking for work with potential employers.
Men and women turning up for this year’s event learned about job opportunities and took part in workshops offering skills, interview practice and advice on what employers look for.
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The event was a showcase for employment, where bosses met potential applicants and learned more about how the charity helps people escape homelessness through having a job.
The charity’s year-round services at Whitechapel offer single homeless people a chance to build skills and confidence needed to find work.
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Its annual Employment Fortnight is also a chance for businesses to meet high-calibre candidates and learn how Crisis helps people on their journey out of homelessness.
Crisis offers training and one-to-one coaching to make sure those without a home are ready for work. Specialist teams also work with businesses to find out their needs and match them to suitable candidates.
The charity last year helped 550 people find paid work in catering, hospitality, construction, social care and retail.
It also helped get nearly 3,000 qualifications, modules or certificates and put 600 people into further education or training.
Employers taking part this year included East London Business Association, Premier Inn, Prospect-us, Conneely Group, Connection Crew, Delaware North, Elior, Learn Train Recruit, LD Caterers, Ways into Work, Westgreen, Sevacare, Skills Match and Springboard.
