Shadow Minister Visits Nechells Charity Project Helping To Get People Back To Work

[From left to right: Major Samuel Edgar (divisional commander); Kiran Basra (Principal Job Life Coach); Stephen Timms MP;  Helen Cameron (head of public affairs); Nick Read (Employment Plus Operations Manager); Adam Cohen (policy analyst employment)

A Salvation Army initiative to help people in Nechells find employment was visited by the Shadow Minister for Employment, Stephen Timms MP, today (Friday, 13th January 2014).

Mr Timms met with people from the Employment Plus Hub to find out how the scheme based in Duddeston Manor Road, Birmingham, helps unemployed people to find sustained employment. The hub offers job seekers work placements, access to job searches, personalised support and e-learning opportunities.

Nusheen Bi (participant); Stephen Timms MP and Adrian Nesbitt (Employment Engagement Coordinator)

Commenting on the project, Mr Timms said: “Many people find it tough to get back into employment after a sustained period out of work and need the help of professionals like The Salvation Army.

“This project is providing positive support to people going through this difficult experience, and I’m pleased to see that staff here are offering motivation, guidance, a listening ear, and training opportunities to get people into a job that matches their skills."

Nadeem Akhtar (participant) and Stephen Timms MP

The Salvation Army in Nechells works with people who have a variety of needs and social circumstances and aims to reduce the negative effects of employment on people’s lives by focusing on personal as well as professional development goals. E-learning courses are offered alongside accredited employability courses. The Army in Nechells works with local businesses, training providers, and employment agencies.

Nick Read, The Salvation Army’s Employment Plus Operations Manager, said: “Unemployment is one of the main causes of poverty and social exclusion and this is especially true for young people and those with multiple needs. As a Church and charity we wanted to address this as we care about every aspect of a person’s welfare.

“The Salvation Army has been helping those who are furthest from the labour market for more than 100 years and we felt this was a way in which we could help those in our own community in a practical way. People’s lives are transformed when in employment, and this is an active way in which we could offer a friendly and compassionate face as we help people find work.”