21 November 2006
Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly last week visited the workshops of Thames Reach's new supported employment scheme, SHiFT.
She met trainees, staff and volunteers of the painting and decorating business, and presented them with the keys to a new van provided by the Department of Communities and Local Government.
SHiFT gives homeless and other vulnerable people the chance to undertake paid traineeships as painter/decorators, helping to increase the employability of people who are often excluded from the job market.
Initially, the business will provide services to Thames Reach properties, but will extend its client base to include others in the voluntary and private sectors.
After visiting the workshops last Tuesday, Ruth Kelly went on to present her first major speech on homelessness at the Andy Ludlow Awards.
SHiFT has received financial support from the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, Deutsche Bank, and the R L Glasspool Charity Trust.
Find out how you can contribute to the work of SHiFT or our other supported employment programmes.
