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At First Housing we consider it a key priority to help people who are homeless
or temporarily housed to access training and employment
opportunities.
Our ‘Pathways
from Homelessness’ initiative is designed to help people who are
homeless make a successful transition to independence through education,
training or employment. By offering residents and service users
information, guidance and assistance on local employment and training
services we have stimulated the development of new approaches and
services that engage the support of educational institutions, training
providers and the business community in which to create and expand work
opportunities for our clients.
We
offer a wide range of training, pre-employment programmes and flexible,
innovative and targeted initiatives and services, including life skills
training and short courses on first aid, child development, parenting,
health and safety and sexual health. We also offer assistance and
practical support on aspects of employment preparation such as
formulating CVs, interview skills and presentation.
 In 2007 the
residents and former service users of Ramona House established a
gardening project to grow flowers for Oxfam shops and fresh vegetables
for the local community. This project and other volunteering
opportunities have helped dispel some of the negative stereotypes often
imposed on people who suffer from alcohol addiction. They have also
enhanced the self-confidence, skills and employability of our residents
so that they can enter and progress in the labour market.
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