NEWS RELEASE

Wednesday January 23, 2019

Hypnotherapist offers helping hand to homeless people

Renowned hypnotherapist Sheila Granger is collaborating with Hull-based charity Emmaus and a number of local businesspeople to help a group of formerly homeless people find work.

Sheila, who is based in Anlaby, East Yorkshire, and trains fellow hypnotherapists around the world, has organised a workshop for a group of 10 men to equip them with the confidence and skills to take the next step of their journey into employment.

The event will take place at Cave Castle, in South Cave, on the afternoon of Monday January 28. All the businesses involved are giving their time and services free of charge, and Cave Castle is providing complimentary use of its venue.

It will include the following:

·        An interactive session with Sheila to teach practical techniques for accessing inner confidence and self-belief

·        An inspirational presentation from Jason Kay, co-director of The Marketplace business based in Barton, about his own experiences of homelessness and his rise to success

·        A makeover for each delegate with a hair stylist from the award-winning Alexander Hair and Beauty salon, based in Anlaby, and a smart new outfit courtesy of the Hull-based Squared Clothing store

·        Professional photography courtesy of Andrew Crozier from Insight Photography, so the delegates can attach photos to their CVs and online profiles

·        CV-writing tips and job application advice courtesy of HR consultant Kate van der Sluis

Sheila said: “Our intention is to give these people a positive mindset and teach some useful mental strategies they can use to boost their confidence. It’s about completing their transformation, inside and out.

“Changing their way of thinking and their personal presentation, coupled with Jason’s inspiring story and the job application assistance, will all help prepare them for a return to employment and increase their chances of gaining vital work experience.”

One of the Emmaus ‘companions’ who will be taking part, 37-year-old Neil Vass, said: “I’m looking forward to the session, it should give us all a big confidence boost. The makeover will be great, it definitely helps if you can feel good about yourself.

“I’m a little nervous about getting back into work, I hope this will help me deal with that. I’d also like to thank everyone involved for thinking of us.”

Finding work is a challenge for many people, especially those who are or who have recently been homeless, and businessman Jason Kay knows all about this struggle. “I agreed to support this event as I have experienced homelessness first hand,” he said. “I’m sharing my experience to help show others that being positive and working hard whatever your circumstances, will pay off.”

HR expert Kate Van der Sluis, managing partner of Humber HR People, is also happy to help. She said: “I’m delighted to be able to offer some support to Sheila and Emmaus for
this worthwhile project. Helping others in the community to help themselves, through gaining meaningful work with Emmaus and taking the next step into work experience, will no doubt make a fundamental difference."  

Photographer Andy Crozier says the Emmaus charity is close to his heart. “Sheila and I talked about what we could do to support the charity, and I think this is a fantastic idea. It’s about giving these people a holistic range of opportunities internally and externally.

“Good personal presentation includes having a quality photo to use for job applications and digital profiles, such as LinkedIn, and I am delighted to be able to help with this.”

Sumit Shah, owner of clothes store Squared Clothing, said: “I’m from Hull and I’ve always believed in supporting my local community. Dressing well can help you feel good about yourself, and put a smile on your face. Everybody deserves a chance and I hope that by the end of the session these people will feel really proud of themselves.”

Emmaus supports formerly homeless people by giving them a home, meaningful work in a social enterprise and an opportunity to get back on their feet again. For many who ever experience homelessness one of the biggest obstacles they must overcome is a loss of self-esteem. Emmaus provides people with a stable home and the opportunity to regain their self-worth, making a real contribution to their community.

Emmaus operations manager Alex Slater said: “We very much appreciate this support from local businesses to help these people, who really do deserve a chance to return to work.

“Work experience is incredibly valuable for them, and we would welcome approaches from any business people who would be willing to offer work experience in roles that may suit their skillsets.”

The 10 companions offer a broad range of skills and experience, from butchery to warehousing, catering and furniture restoration. Any local businesses that would be willing to offer work experience or would like to see the companions’ CVs are asked to contact training and development leader Kelly Meacock at Emmaus by emailing kellylouise@emmaushull.org.uk or ringing 07539 029298.

ENDS

Photo: Sheila Granger

Media are welcome to attend the event by arrangement – please contact Tracy at By Tracy Fletcher Limited PR on 07983 633385 or email tracy@bytracyfletcher.com