Landlord launches lunch and learn

Local social landlord, Riverside organised a lunch and learn session at their Leicester office this week to help Leicester tenants and residents gain advice on training, education and employment opportunities.

Riverside and partner agencies such as Leicester Multi Access Centre, Voluntary Action Leicester, Clockwise Credit Union and Nextstep were all on hand to offer Riverside tenants and residents advice on training opportunities, educational qualifications, CV writing and interview techniques.

Tonia Punter, Riverside Employment & Training Officer in the Midlands, who organised the Event said: "The Homes and Communities Agency announced in 2009 that those in receipt of capital funding are to produce jobs as well as homes. Riverside has always recognised this and is committed to taking the employment and training initiative forward in Leicester (and other areas of the Midlands) to tackle poverty and unemployment by offering a range of services.

“We know that there are a range of social problems that can affect people who are out of work - these include antisocial behaviour, rent arrears, poor property upkeep. By working with partner agencies and helping them with these issues we really want to make a difference to our tenants and residents - by offering them job and training opportunities, as well as homes."

Even with the snowy weather over 20 tenants turned up with 50% of them arranging follow up appointments on training and job advice.

One tenant said: “I’m glad I’ve come down today. After speaking to the people at the event it has given me the confidence to start looking for work again.”

Tenants were also able to use the computers at the Leicester office Internet café to search for jobs and apply online.