Moving In Moving On (MIMO) is Thames Reach’s painting and decorating course for homeless and vulnerable men and women.
MIMO provides a structured activity for people who may be isolated or depressed that gets them out of their flat or hostel room. It gives men and women the chance to gain new skills and put them to practical use, develop their self-confidence, build friendships and learn to work as a team.
Aimed at all levels of ability, MIMO teaches the basics of painting to more advanced decorative techniques and design. It also gives participants the skills needed to go out and find work.
Throughout the course, trainees are given support from staff to plan for the future, and are helped to achieve these plans at the end of their training. One option for trainees may be to work for Shift, a social painting and decorating business launched by Thames Reach in 2006.
Dalton, a MIMO graduate, said:
“I’ve learnt new skills and I’ve developed my self-confidence to the stage where I’m off soon to take up an NVQ college course. My plan is to take up painting and decorating full time.”
Course structure
MIMO trainees can choose their own subjects and work at their own pace, attending two to three days a week. The course runs from three to six months, depending on how many subjects people choose to complete.
These subjects include:
- wall repair and preparation
- painting techniques
- faux finishing
- wallpapering
- basic DIY
- colour theory
- advanced decorative techniques
The course also covers other practical skills such as:
- health and safety
- IT skills
- CV preparation
- finding training and work
Funding
The Department of Government and Local Communities (DGLC) partly funds the MIMO project.
