Gerry Stone, our Chair, wins the Outstanding Achievement Award at the Annual Salix Homes Stars Awards
The Annual Salix Homes Stars Awards took place for the third time this year at the Lowry Theatre in the evening on Friday 15th April 2011. The guests celebrated the occasion with a three course meal and all night music and entertainment. The award categories were as below;
- Good Neighbour Star
- Community Safety Star
- Community Initiative & Enterprise Star
- Older Peoples Star
- Outstanding Young Star
- Inclusion Star
- Better Environment Star
- Outstanding Achievement Star (Maureen Tully Memorial Award)
Gerry Stone pictured said that she was honoured and had accepted the award on behalf of the Seedley and Langworthy Trust’s staff and all the SALT volunteers.
Future Jobs Fund has created a bright Future for Salford Residents
The Future Jobs Fund was a government funded programme which aimed to create an additional 150,000 jobs across the UK. Although the scheme was specifically targeted at the 18-24 year olds, it was also open to others who were struggling to secure work.
The scheme targeted residents in Salford, who had been on job seekers allowance for more than 6 months, people on incapacity and employment support allowance and many long term unemployed young residents who had found it very difficult to get a foothold on a long term career path.
Nationally £1 billion was invested into the programme so that public sector and charitable organisations could create new jobs through an initial six month paid placement. Eligible jobseekers were given the opportunity to gain hands on experience in one of the many roles available. Training was also provided and access to recognised qualifications such as NVQ Level 2 in Business Administration, Customer services, Horticulture and Painting & Decorating. The scheme resulted in over 31% of FJF placements leading to employment, with almost 3% moving into education – this is the third highest progression rate across Greater Manchester.
Through the scheme over 800 people have been supported into FJF jobs with 119 new jobs created in Ordsall, Langworthy and Weaste. Organisations which recruited staff through the programme, included Skills and Work, SALIX Homes, the Seedley and Langworthy Trust, Ordsall Cafe, Primrose Children’s Centre, Salford Neighbourhood Management and Salford Community Services. The fund has allowed many local organisations in the area to increase their provision and provide a better service to residents in the area.
The Future Jobs Fund in Ordsall, Langworthy and Weaste has created a lasting legacy by enabling unemployed people from the area to contribute to the community. As well as contributing in terms of economic growth and increased services, the scheme also provided them with the essential skills needed to continue to work in our city.
The residents which have benefited had previously found it difficult to gain sustainable employment in these tough economic conditions and many young people had never managed to secure long term work. As well as positive outcomes for the Salford economy and the increased level of services offered citywide, the benefits for the residents involved has been immense. As well as arming them with relevant and valuable experience, many have gained new skills and qualifications which they can use well into the future. They have also experienced increased self worth and self esteem and many are reaping the rewards of achieving real job satisfaction from the newly created roles.
Tara Lewis, Administration Officer,”I was employed by the Seedley and Langworthy Trust in May 2010, under the Future Jobs Fund. Previous to this, I had been out of work for more than 5 years. I was very nervous when I started and was unsure whether I would be welcomed by the other staff in the team. Since I have started I have really enjoyed my role and I feel a really valued member of staff. Even though I started on the future jobs fund, this ended in November 2010 and the Trust managed to secure funding which allowed me to stay. I really enjoy coming to work and I have gained so much experience. I have made many new friends and I am currently studying my NVQ Level 2 in Administration. I hope to then go onto Level 3. I would recommend the programme to anyone thinking about going back to work as it is a really going starting point to go back into work.”
