NEWS RELEASE
Wednesday January 30, 2019
Businesses help homeless
men take next step into work
An event
organised by East Yorkshire clinical hypnotherapist Sheila Granger to help a
group of homeless men get ready to step back into the world of work is already
paying dividends.
Renowned
hypnotherapist Sheila, who trains fellow practitioners around the world,
collaborated with Hull-based charity Emmaus and a number of local
businesspeople to hold a workshop at Cave Castle on January 28 to help prepare
a group of 10 formerly homeless men for the next stage of their journey into
employment.
As a result,
one local business has already offered a work placement and it is hoped other
businesses will also come forward to give the men vital work experience to add
to their CVs.
Sheila, who has
helped people around the world to develop their confidence and banish their
fears and organised the event simply to support her community, said: “The day
was a huge success in all sorts of ways. The guys enjoyed a physical makeover
with a haircut, new clothes and a photoshoot. Plus they received advice on CVs,
job applications and interviews, I gave a session on how to access their
confidence and self-belief, and they heard an inspiring talk from a successful
local businessman who was once homeless.
“One business,
Elliott Hygiene Ltd, has already contacted me with an offer of work experience,
and we hope more will follow.”
Finding work is
a challenge for many people, especially those who are or who have recently been
homeless, and businessman Jason Kay, co-director of The Marketplace business
based in Barton, knows all about this struggle. “I wanted to share my
experience to help show others that being positive and working hard whatever your
circumstances, will pay off,” he said. “If you’ve spent a long time in a
non-working environment it can be hard to see there are other options, but
these people have already made the first jump by working with Emmaus and they
are ready now for the next leap.”
Hull and Goole-based
recruitment agency Yorkshire Staffing Services were on hand at the workshop
with practical advice for job hunting and interviews. Lana Grisina, Hull branch
manager, said: “We want to help break down the barriers that can prevent people
getting into work. These people clearly have a lot to give and with a bit of
assistance from recruitment agencies like ourselves with things such as CVs and
interview skills, I really believe employers will give them the chance they
deserve.”
Jean Palmer, from Hessle-based bathroom retailer VictoriaPlum.com,
also spoke at the event. She said: “Recruitment is largely about selling
yourself. People who have been homeless or out of work for a long time often
don’t have much experience of interviews and will feel out of their comfort
zone. This workshop was a great opportunity to give this group some useful
advice and they really seemed to take it on board.”
The group of
men, whose skills range from warehousing to butchery and furniture restoration,
also enjoyed a makeover courtesy of stylists from Alexander Hair and Beauty,
clothes from Squared Clothing in Hull, and professional photos to use on their
online profiles and job applications thanks to Andy Crozier of Insight
Photography.
At the end of
the workshop, the participants were buzzing with positivity about the day, and
their futures. Dale Watts, 35, who is originally from Rotherham and has been
with Emmaus for the past eight months, said: “I’m feeling a lot more confident
now about being able to do something with my life. I could definitely relate to
Jason, and the job advice was really helpful.”
Lee Thompson,
37, from Leeds, has been living in Hull since 2012 and has spent the past three
months with Emmaus. He said: “I love working with Emmaus, it gives me a reason
to get up in the morning. I’ve trained to be a PAT tester and I’d love to start
my own business in that.
“This event has
been amazing, I could really identify with what Jason was saying. It’s all
about self-belief and confidence, and I’m feeling really confident now.”
The charity 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: “I’d
like to say a big thanks to Sheila for organising the event. Everybody involved
really enjoyed the day, and we are overwhelmed by the support we are receiving
from the local business community.
“Work experience is incredibly valuable for our
companions, and we would welcome approaches from any business people who would
be willing to offer work experience in roles that may suit their skillsets.”
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
Photos: Courtesy of Insight Photography. The 10
companions with Sheila Granger; Neil Vass enjoys a haircut; Jason Kay addresses the group; Sheila Granger addresses the group; Alex Slater addresses the group.
All photos are available in larger file sizes on request.
For further
information or photographs, contact Tracy at By Tracy Fletcher Limited PR on 07983
633385 or email tracy@bytracyfletcher.com