Trainees from a painting and decorating
training scheme helping formerly homeless people get their lives back on track,
have rejuvenated a busy Southwark Council resource centre.
The make-over was undertaken by Thames
Reach’s Moving In Moving On (MIMO) project which will be based at the new
Employment Academy in Camberwell when it opens later this year.
The Thames Reach MIMO project aims to boost
people’s self confidence and skills set in a bid to help them find work. The
only criteria for getting on the ten-week course is that participants have had
an experience of homelessness and are motivated to learn new skills.
The trainees put these new found skills to
work on the Southwark Council Multi-Purpose Resource Centre in Westminster
Bridge Road, home to a range of community groups.
Hugh Carlin, aged 55, is one of the trainees.
He ended up sleeping in a tent after moving to London last year but is now in a
hostel and looking forward to moving into his own flat.
“I heard about MIMO through a friend originally.
We looked it up on the internet together as I was interested in getting back
into work and MIMO sounded like the ideal way to learn about current painting
and decorating techniques. I was really chuffed when I heard I’d got onto the
course.
“We’ve had to totally redecorate the rooms at
the resource centre. We’ve had to fix some of the water damaged plaster work
and fit new skirting boards in places.
“I’ve learnt so much on the course. And it
was great having this practical project at the end of the training as we can
put into practice what we’ve learnt. I’d even say I’ve enjoyed it more than I
thought I would. All the guys involved are great and have made me feel a part
of the team.
“I’m due to start my City and Guilds course
in painting and decorating soon. After that I want to get back into full time
work and eventually get my own place again. It feels like I’m starting a new
life at the age of 55.”
For more details on the MIMO course, see:
www.thamesreach.org.uk/what-we-do/training-and-work/painting-and-decoration-course/
