New project to help Barnet's unemployed into work
Jobseekers across Edgware and Colindale are to receive a boost in their hunt for work with the help of a new programme to be delivered by Genesis Community, the charitable arm of Genesis Housing Association. Through the Barnet WorkFinder Project, Genesis, in partnership with Barnet Homes and others will provide training and support to residents in Barnet to help build up their skills and get back on the track to employment.
The project comes as a sixth of the working age population in the area find themselves out of work and claiming benefits, while younger Barnet residents from 16 - 24 are experiencing the brunt of it with one in 25 unemployed. Throughout the three year programme, residents from the local area will be able to access support from the Genesis team on everything from how to write a CV to support and confidence building. All of the training will be tailored to the needs of the resident, making sure that they receive the support they need to best help them into work. Residents will also be able to work with an outreach worker to further bolster their skills.
Everyone that finds work will continue to be supported by Genesis for up to a year to help them maintain their new jobs and access any other advice they need.
Iain Mackechnie-Jarvis, Head of Genesis Community, commented: “With unemployment still rising the skills that this programme offers will be invaluable to anyone looking to find work. Genesis Community’s staff have a wealth of expertise to help support residents in overcoming some of the obstacles they may be facing. And on top of that, residents will also be able to tap into other support programmes we offer such as welfare advice or even guidance for those looking to set up their own businesses.”
Other partners Genesis will be working with include social enterprise organisation Renaisi and CommUNITY Barnet. The programme is open to any residents on the Grahame Park, Beaufort Park and Stonegrove estates and will be based at the heart of Genesis and Barnet Council’s flagship regeneration programme at Grahame Park.
Barnet Homes Chief Executive, Tracey Lees, added: “Barnet Homes is determined to do all we can to help our residents and their families to find work through our ‘Feeling the Squeeze?’ campaign. This new project complements our existing job clubs, apprenticeships, coaching workshops and free training on offer to all our residents during these really challenging times.”
Tenants of Barnet Homes will also receive ongoing help as part of its ‘Feeling the Squeeze?” campaign to support residents through the economic downturn and help them sustain their tenancies
Residents looking to take part and find out more information should call 033 3000 9000 to speak to the Genesis Community team.
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For more information contact Ben Ashmore, 0207 563 0298 or ben.ashmore@GenesisHA.org.uk
Genesis owns or manages homes across London and the south east for thousands of people. As one of the most diverse housing groups in the UK, Genesis’ main aim is to provide great services, great homes, great places and great opportunities for its customers.