It takes a community to make a difference

Published by Ashley-Rae for East Thames Housing Group in Communities

In the past year affordable housing provider and regeneration charity East Thames Group has helped nearly 250 people find a job in east London and Essex. But it takes a whole community to make this difference, and it is this support from partners and businesses which was recently celebrated.

More than 100 east London and national businesses came together to celebrate the success of a range of different employment programmes, including mentoring, apprenticeships, work placements and skills training.

“The help and support we receive from our partners is extremely important and without it we wouldn’t have been able to get so many people back into work,” said East Thames Group Chief Executive June Barnes.

“Without doubt these programmes are helping people to get their lives back on track, but our corporate partners also have told us how much they have gained by taking part. Their staff have enjoyed being mentors, have welcomed work placements to their offices and have really felt like a part of the community.”

One duo who took the lead in showing the impact the right amount of support can have were East Thames Foyer residents Troy and Vivian who catered for guests on the night.

Taking part in the Lloyds TSB Money For Life Challenge gave Troy and Vivian an introduction to catering and their ‘Buffet on a budget’ project which saw them cook for 50 people for less than £1.50 a head won them the People’s Prize. But more than that it gave them confidence and opened up a range of career opportunities. Troy has now started an apprenticeship with Jamie Oliver's 'Fifteen' programme and Vivian has set up his own catering company.

Troy and Vivian said: “We’re so thankful for the support received from East Thames and everyone else who has allowed us to get to this stage so far. This time last year we were at such different stages in our lives, but it just goes to show that anything is possible and we’re both excited about what the future has in store for us.”

East Thames received a number of pledges for continued support for these employment programmes on the night of the event and is always looking for businesses to support this work.

To find out more about how the support East Thames receive from their partners helps make a difference click here.