Regeneration cash provides care work experience

Posted by The Journal on Aug 6, 09 12:57 PM in News

Coalfield regeneration cash is being used by a charity in Bedlington to provide valuable care sector work experience for unemployed young people in a former coal mining stronghold.

Ivan Webley of Mind Active works with residents at the Pines care home in Ashington

Ivan Webley of Mind Active works with residents at the Pines care home in Ashington. They created a montage of scenes derived from memories of their youth

Several young jobseekers will benefit from the pilot scheme run by Bedlington-based Mind Active, which has a network of volunteers working in residential care homes in the Wansbeck area.

The volunteers support staff at the homes, providing elderly residents with stimulating activities such as reminiscence work, sing-alongs, quizzes, social events and outdoor trips.

Now Mind Active has secured a ÃÂ£10,000 grant from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust ( CRT ) to develop a year-long project involving local jobseekers. It aims to help young unemployed people gain work experience in the social care sector and also assist local residential homes looking for skilled staff.

Mind Active project manager, Stephen Ward, says the project was devised to address a recognised staff and skills shortage in the area. The charity is working with recruitment agencies to give work experience and practical training to job-ready unemployed young people who are interested in care sector employment.

"This is a totally new initiative for us, and without the funding from the CRT it would not be happening. We believe it's a win-win situation for everyone.

"The young people get a taste of working in the homes, and the care homes get to see potential employees interacting with residents and their staff."

Volunteer support worker Janet Common is liaising with recruitment agencies to find suitable candidates. Leanne Gibson, 23, of Ashington has been with the team since April. She has a BTec Diploma in art and design and has been looking for work for a year.

Leanne says the placement is building her confidence, as well as giving her experience of working with people of all ages and new skills such as general office skills.

"I enjoy the experience of learning new things and making residents feel happier about themselves, and that's what Mind Active does. I have found that making residents feel happier also makes me feel happier."

Funding for the project has come from the CRT 's Bridging the Gap programme, which provides support to organisations working to improve opportunities for people living in coalfield communities.

Trustee Ken Greenfield said: "Volunteering is often overlooked as a way to gain relevant work experience, and in some cases practical training, which can make people more attractive to employers.

"In addition to delivering valuable support services to the social care sector, Mind Active has found a way to help with the current unemployment crisis. We applaud their initiative and wish them success with the project."

We'd like to hear from you.
Send your stories, pics and videos to northumberland@ncjmedia.co.uk