Salvation Army Teaches People In Nottingham Valuable Employment Skills

published on 8 Jul 2014

A Nottingham charity has opened its doors so that people can see the work it does for the community as it launches its new service to help those who are unemployed find work.

The Employment Plus Local scheme was officially opened on Tuesday, 8 July by The Salvation Army’s former UK leader (known as the Territorial Commander) – Commissioner John Matear – who leads the William Booth Memorial Halls Salvation Army church along with his wife Elizabeth, in Edward Street, Nottingham.

The Employment Plus scheme based at the community centre in Notintone Place, Sneinton, offers job seekers work placements, access to job searches, personalised support and e-learning opportunities. Members of the community can drop-in to receive help and advice in searching for and applying for work.

In addition to Employment Plus, The William Booth Memorial Complex Community Centre, in the centre of Nottingham, offers a playgroup and other mid week activities, and also provides food parcels for those in need in the local community.

Employment Plus was first launched at the centre in April and already one of those who volunteered for the scheme, but who was also themselves unemployed, has found work. He first came to the centre for a food parcel, when Phil Johnson, the community services manager, met with him and told him about Employment Plus. The man was going through a rough time but previously had 30 years experience in IT. With the help of the Employment Plus programme he has now got a new job. He helped the centre greatly due to his IT skills and any volunteers who may be able to help in this area would be welcomed.

The launch and open day were largely down to the hard work of Phil Johnson who posted just under 200 flyers through people’s doors in an effort to highlight the opportunities at the centre for local people.

Phil Johnson said that the centre got involved in Employment Plus because they wanted to help people struggling in their community. He said: “I have a real heart for the people of Nottingham. When people gain employment their lives are transformed, as are the lives of their families. Unemployment is a key cause of poverty and social exclusion and we wanted to be there for people in our own community by providing compassionate support and a listening ear, as well as practical help.

“We aim to be friendly and welcoming to anyone who comes to us needing help finding work. We seek to reduce the negative effects of unemployment on people’s lives, focusing on personal as well as professional development goals, tailored to the individual.”

Divisional Leader for The Salvation Army’s East Midlands Division, Lieut-Colonel Mike Caffull, said: “The Salvation Army has been helping those furthest from the labour market for more than 100 years and as a Church and charity we are dedicated to caring for those who are in  need or may be vulnerable. These are still our aims and so Employment Plus is a great opportunity.”

The Salvation Army has a proven track record of delivering in employment services in the UK, USA, Australia and New Zealand.