20 March 2008:
Thames Reach is setting up an employment academy in South London to help hundreds of homeless and unemployed men and women back into work.
It will help to reduce the number of people sleeping rough in the capital by helping homeless people develop new skills, increase their self-confidence and find work. This in turn will enable them to settle into their new homes – reducing abandonments, evictions and returns to street homelessness.
The Academy will provide a range of services for men and women living in homeless hostels and supported housing projects, and to people living in the local community who need help to increase their skills and find a job. It is estimated that 150 people will be making use of the facilities every day.
While the project is expected to open in early 2010, the training and work elements will up and running long before then as formerly homeless people are involved in building the centre.
The project is possible as a result of a £4 million capital grant from the department for Communities and Local Government via the Places of Change Programme. It will be situated in either the London Borough of Lambeth or the London Borough of Southwark.
Jeremy Swain, Thames Reach Chief Executive, said: “The Employment Academy will provide a range of innovative services to help homeless and vulnerable people get back into work, including social businesses, classroom space, and a restaurant where most of the workforce will be made up of homeless people.
“This will be a vibrant centre where those using the facilities will be expected to make a big commitment and in return receive top-class training, support and links with key employers. Former homeless people undergoing training in construction industry trades will play a crucial role in building the centre.
“Thames Reach is extremely appreciative of the moral and financial support provided by Communities and Local Government and for the strong backing of Southwark and Lambeth councils. The Employment Academy represents a shared commitment to helping people escape homelessness by developing the skills, confidence and motivation to get work and shake off for good the debilitating shackles of long-term worklessness.”
Anyone interested in getting involved with the employment academy should e-mail enquiries@thamesreach.org.uk.
The organisations working with Thames Reach to make the academy a success include:
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Communities and Local Government
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London boroughs of Lambeth and Southwark
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Beyond Boyle restaurant and café
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Off the Streets and Into Work
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Lambeth and Southwark PCTs
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South London and Maudsley (SLaM) NHS Foundation Trust
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CRASH
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Business Action on Homelessness
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corporate sector partners including KPMG.
