Billy, an ex-offender and a qualified electrician, dropped in to the Volunteer Centre after being unemployed for two years.
He heard about the centre from a friend and came to register with us to volunteer in order to build confidence and gain skills to improve his chances of finding long-term paid employment.
We connected him to a local garden project who needed help in order to service and fix its machinery. Billy proved incredibly valuable to the garden project with his knowledge and experience and was confidently able to identify and fix faults.
The garden project was thrilled by what Billy had achieved and Billy was overwhelmed by the difference his skills had made.
Or Resettlement Officer also supported Billy to update his CV and help him find paid employment; within a few months, Billy found a job as an electrician.
Over 10.5 million people in the UK have a criminal record as well as a third of people claiming Job Seekers Allowance; this represents a huge pool of potential talent, but still, 75% of employers discriminate against applicants on the basis of criminal records.
Could you help someone like Billy use their skills and resettle back into the community?
If so, please contact Jason Hudson or call 0208 8960 3722
