Partner Article

Community fund results in 13 jobs for homeless

A fund set up to regenerate local communities in Tyne and Wear has revealed it is having a positive impact on the lives of locals, including 13 homeless people who have now found employment.

Between 2005-2007 the Included Communities Fund (ICF) helped the voluntary and community sectors work with local community groups and neighbourhoods to improve employment, raise aspirations and combat economic deprivation. Since 2002, the ICF has awarded nearly £3m capital and over £3.5m in revenue grants to approximately 100 organisations.

An independent evaluation conducted to assess the impact of the ICF revealed that 90% of organisations that received grants agreed the ICF had delivered a ‘noticeable economic impact’, particularly in the area of skills development and employability.

One community group benefiting is the Tyneside Cyrenians. Founded in 1970, the charity helps homeless and vulnerable people. As well as capital funding towards new accomodation, the ICF grant also supported the employment of 13 homeless people to train in various building skills to help construct the new premises.

Their experience led to seven formerly homeless, unskilled and unemployed people gaining skills in the construction industry and an NVQ Level 2 in Construction and Civil Engineering. They now live in their own homes, are no longer in receipt of benefits and are employed.

Brian Latham, chair of the ICF said: “The evaluation shows how important the Included Communities Fund is to the voluntary and community sector in Tyne & Wear.

“It has given organisations the opportunity to work with people who are keen to increase their skills, find a job or set up their own business. There are numerous examples of individuals whose life has been turned around. We are thrilled that so many have benefited and that the funding has gone to those who need it the most.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .