Keepmoat and Newcastle 'United' in tackling unemployment

One of the UK’s leading regeneration companies, The Keepmoat Group, has teamed up with Newcastle United to help tackle unemployment.

The company’s community investment programme – The Keepmoat Foundation – is working with the football club to help 14 to 15 year olds in the city prepare for work life.

Keepmoat has donated £4,800 to the club’s charitable arm, the Newcastle United Foundation, to run a series of Employability Skills Courses – which are designed to improve people’s chances of finding a job.

“The Keepmoat Foundation is committed to helping young people develop the skills which employers are looking for,” said Steve Howe, Executive Advisor to the Keepmoat Foundation.

“This gives them the best possible chance of employment in a very difficult economic environment. With help from the Newcastle United Foundation, we have found a very innovative way of fulfilling our objectives.”

Keepmoat is currently carrying out a number of major projects across the North East, including building new homes and regenerating rundown neighbourhoods.

Its funding provides places for 20 people on the new course, which will be run at Armstrong School of Business and Economics and Hadrian School of Environment, Technology And Design – which are part of the Excelsior Academy, at Denton Road – over a 10 week period.

The course is designed to build confidence, develop communications skills and improve techniques in finding and applying for jobs.

Local agencies such as Connexions, youth offending teams, Jobcentre Plus, along with charitable organisations such as the Prince’s Trust will be able to refer people to the scheme.

Once completed, the Employability Skills Course will provide people with the nationally recognised NCFE Level One qualification.

Kate Bradley, Charitable Foundation Manager at Newcastle United Foundation, said: “Both Newcastle United and Keepmoat are committed to helping people in the area find work.

“The course will arm people with new skills that will boost their confidence and employment prospects.

“In the current economic climate it is crucial that people who want to find work are given all the support they need and deserve.”

Keepmoat has a strong presence in the North East, through its operating companies Frank Haslam Milan (FHM) and Keepmoat Homes. 

FHM North East is currently working with Your Homes Newcastle to deliver several major improvement project. These will see the total regeneration of estates including Byker, which has the unique status of being a Grade Two listed building, where FHM is involved in the modernising with new kitchens, bathrooms,electrical rewires as well as doors and windows. 

Keepmoat Homes is also working closely with Your Homes Newcastle, with the regeneration of former deck access flats in Blakelaw. This will  see 98 new properties built for sale, shared ownership and rent.  Keepmoat Homes has also been selected as part of a consortium to deliver over 1,800 homes in Scotswood, which will be the biggest regeneration scheme in the North East of England.

The company now wants to show communities that its work goes further than just building and improving homes.

Steve added: “The Keepmoat Foundation is already working with the club on their anti-social behaviour project Kickz, and this latest funding shows our continuing commitment to backing positive initiatives that will support people in the area.”

For more information on the Employment Skills Course call the Newcastle United Foundation on 0191 201 8450 or e-mail foundation@nufc.co.uk.