Sarah Atherton MP visits Salvation Army employment project

The Salvation Army in Wrexham have welcomed UK Government funding that will help them improve the lives of those in the city dealing with long term unemployment. 

Last year, Wrexham Council received £22.7 million from the UK Government as part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The Salvation Army in Wrexham was one of a large number of recipients in the city and received £49,944 from the fund. 

Wrexham MP, Sarah Atherton, visited the church in the city to see how they will use this UK Government funding. The money has supported the Salvation Army’s ‘Employment Programme’, which enables work with up to 60 people who have been out of work for a long time in part due to health problems, domestic abuse, homelessness or other issues. 

During the visit, Ms Atherton met with the Employment Plus team, discussed how the Employment Programme makes a difference to individuals in the community and spoke with those who have benefitted from the Salvation Army’s Employment Programme, many of whom are military veterans.  

Since her election in 2019, Ms Atherton has worked closely with the Ty Dewr Lifehouse, run by the Salvation Army for veterans in Wrexham. As a veteran with a Parliamentary defence brief, Ms Atherton spoke with the veterans receiving help from the Employment Programme. They touched on the challenges of transitioning to civilian employment. However, the veterans reaffirmed that the programme enables them to learn how to harness and recognise the in-demand skills that are developed during service. 

In addition, as a sitting member of HMP Berwyn’s Employment Board, Ms Atherton welcomed the news that the Employment Programme also assists ex-offenders into employment. 

Captain Claire Durrant, Commanding Officer of The Salvation Army Wrexham Corps, said:  “We're very pleased that Sarah Atherton MP came to see us at our church on Garden Road in Rhosddu. Our aim is to enable everyone to be the very best version of themselves. We already work closely with Wrexham Foodbank and other community groups, and the new Employment Plus project will help us to add dedicated job-seeking specialists to our weekly programme. We're always on the lookout for opportunities to partner with other agencies in our community, so that people receive the help they need. We are pleased that Sarah wants to support us in that.”

The driving force behind The Salvation Army’s Employment Plus programme is to work closely with people on a one-to-one basis to help them overcome complex problems affecting their lives. The project aims to give them the skills they need to find work, restore their self-belief and help overcome the issues that have contributed to being out of the workplace for so long.

Abi Gardner, The Assistant Regional Manager for the Wales Division of The Salvation Army’s Employment Plus programme, said:   
“We are excited to be able to offer extra services to the community in Wrexham thanks to support and funding from the UK Government in partnership with Wrexham Borough Council. With this funding, we can support those in need of help to get jobs by helping to teach new skills and ultimately have a better quality of life.”

Sarah Atherton MP commented:  “I was thrilled to witness the Wrexham Salvation Army’s Employment Programme in action, fuelled by UK Government funding. Their unwavering dedication to breaking down barriers to employment is commendable. From aiding those sidelined by illness to veterans and ex-offenders, their inclusive approach is truly impactful.

“Meeting both the team and beneficiaries, including veterans, underscored the invaluable support provided in a nurturing environment. As a former social worker, I understand the paramount importance of employability. It’s heartening to see local organisations like Coleg Cambria, Groundworks and COPA, Wrexham also involved. This is Wrexham supporting Wrexham. Thank you for the incredible work being done to support those in our community, keep up the great work.”