Croydon employment event "powerful example” of partnership working

The Salvation Army recently hosted a Community & Employability event in Croydon which invited local job seekers to drop in and learn about the support on offer from a number of employability experts. 

The event, which was free to attend, also showcased the services provided by The Salvation Army’s Employment Plus service and to raise awareness of the support services available within communities. Employment Plus supports people into quality work, not just any job. It helps people who face the biggest barriers to employment such as a lack of up to-to date skills, those who have been unable to search for work due to health problems, disability, or homelessness.

Other organisations that were present included Only a Pavement Away, Croydon Voluntary Action, Strive, Metropolitan Police, LSDN – London Skills & Development Network and the National Careers Service. Executive Mayor of Croydon, Jason Perry also attended and described the event as being “a powerful example” of how partnership working can help people into work. Croydon Civic Mayor, Councillor Richard Chatterjee was also present and praised the event. 

Church leader at Croydon Citadel, Lieutenant Colonel Edgar Chagas said: 

“The Salvation Army seeks to transform people’s lives, offering holistic support that has a meaningful and lasting impact on people’s lives, giving them confidence and skills to get on in life. 

“It was great to see everyone who attended our Employability & Community event. For some people, it was the first step for them to leave their homes and start the journey to employment. Many of the clients supported by Employment Plus have been out of the labour market for a long time or have other significant barriers to employment such as long-term illness.

“We are grateful to the other organisations who also supported on the day as working in partnership means we can make a positive impact on a person’s employability journey.”

The Salvation Army’s Employment Plus in Croydon is open Monday and Thursday from 10am – 4.30pm at Croydon Salvation Army and can provide support to anyone aged 18 or over. Employment Plus Local operates on a Thursday from 10.30am - 12.30pm. This initiative is led by Croydon Salvation Army supported by Employment Plus and helps clients who attend other programmes at the church including The Well drop-in for homeless people or receive support from the food bank.

People who would like to learn more about how Employment Plus could support them are welcome to drop in to Croydon Salvation Army on a Thursday or email londonreferrals@salvationarmy.org.uk

For more information on the work of Croydon Salvation Army visit: https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/croydon-citadel