New training project for homeless people

GLASGOWS 'Unheard Voices' used a powerful piece of theatre to launch a new training programme aimed at helping people who have experienced homelessness build a new life.

The 4Front Learning project has been developed to address issues that directly affect homeless people, specifically by providing essential life and employability skills that will help sustain tenancies.

The 'Unheard Voices', who have all experienced homelessness, will perform the production In Troubled Times at the launch of the new training initiative. The group range from 20 to 60 years of age.

4Front Learning is an innovative partnership between the Glasgow Homelessness Network, North Glasgow Housing Association, Anniesland College and Glasgow North Regeneration Agency. The project is being supported by a £400,000 grant from The Big Lottery Fund.

It aims to assist people affected by homelessness, being re-housed by housing associations, to sustain their tenancy through the provision of life skills, social initiatives and training and advice on jobs.

Research demonstrates that 35% of previously homeless tenants leave their tenancy within 18 months and Glasgow continues to receive repeat presentations from people who have experienced homelessness more than once. There is also a very strong link between homelessness and unemployment, as well as a high aspiration to work among people affected by it.

Key elements included in 4Front Learning include support with literacy and numeracy, confidence building, and general advice on how to manage their new home.

Students will also be offered opportunities to develop practical skills including painting and decorating, healthy living, money management and vocational skills such as digital applications and art and design to increase employment prospects.

Margaret-Ann Brunjes of the Glasgow Homelessness Network, said: "The four partners are actively responding to a recent study where we asked over 400 people experiencing homelessness in Glasgow about work and learning. This evidenced a strong link between homelessness and unemployment.

But people also told us of their aspirations to work or train, their diverse work experience and backgrounds, and the barriers to work that homelessness creates. This project offers people the services of four partners that can together assist in removing some of these barriers, and support people to sustain new tenancies and new opportunities.

We are grateful to our partners at North Glasgow Housing Association for taking the lead on this new approach, to the Big Lottery Fun for their support and to Glasgow City Council for recognising employability as a central theme in the homelessness agenda."

Ann Marie Devlin, Depute Chief Executive of North Glasgow Housing Association, said: "The 4Front Learning programme is designed to help stabilise the circumstances faced by many homeless people and allow them to concentrate on building a better future for themselves.

"Through the provision of relevant training we hope to give students skills that will not only help them sustain their tenancy but also provide them with opportunities to move into further education or the jobs market.

"We are delighted that it will be piloted in North Glasgow but this is a scheme that will benefit the whole of Glasgow."

Linda McTavish CBE, Principal of Anniesland College, said: "This is a big project for Anniesland College and our partners in supporting homeless persons to sustain new lives.

"We can only do this by working in a partnership that draws on the major strengths of all the partners in working with homeless people and promoting and developing life skills and employability.

"The funding from the Big Lottery will enable us to deliver learning to those in greatest need. Thank you, Big Lottery, for all your support and good luck to all who will be involved in the Project."

Cathy Lang, Chief Executive of Glasgow North Regeneration Agency, said: "This is a great example of local organisations working in partnership and bringing each of their own strengths to the project.

"As the main provider of employability provision in North Glasgow, our advisers will ensure that participants receive the appropriate support at all stages of their learning and employability journey."