In the last quarter our Employment Services have helped 55 people into part-time, full-time work, or a better career.
Our dedicated team in Employment Services work with people one-on-one to build confidence and explore opportunities, providing advice on all aspects of job-seeking. The help is free and available to any of our customers who need it, whether they are currently employed or not. Even when someone has been helped into work, the team can stay in touch to help people develop further and provide more support and advice to secure better employment or a career.
People often start their journey with Employment Services face to face at one of our regular sessions. Those looking for help can meet the team in Chard, Clewer & Dedworth, Whitehill & Bordon, Wincanton and Yeovil. For exact dates and times, visit: www.myabri.co.uk/news-and-events/come-chat-our-employment-services
Michelle, an Abri resident living in Petersfield, was referred to Employment Services in January by her Tenancy Sustainment Officer, who recognised that Michelle was unemployed, had high rent arears and was struggling with her mental health and so needed additional support.
Michelle says: “Getting back into work has enabled me to clear my rent arrears which means I am no longer at risk of eviction. It has also given me a huge boost, increased my sense of self-worth, improved my family relationships, and improved my mental health. I am now much happier and more confident.
“I started work full time in March 2023 and Employment Services have continued to support me, texting me each day when I first started. Going back to work has been challenging at times and I have had some days where I have been fed up. On those days I text Employment Services and they call me after I finish, and we chat through the day which is really helpful and I know that if I decide I want to look for something else then Abri’s Employment Services will be happy to help me.”
Debra Scarratt, our Group Employment Services Manager, said: “We are so pleased with the work of our Employment Services and all those colleagues referring customers and residents on to the team. Getting people into employment is so important, it gives them more autonomy and a real sense of agency over their own lives. The benefits of regular work are huge, providing more than just financial security but often improving physical and mental wellbeing too.
“Our work demonstrates Abri’s continued commitment to creating thriving communities, remembering that equal opportunities must exist for communities so everyone can have improved life chances. We are hugely pleased with the numbers of people we have helped this quarter and we’ll continue to help as many people as possible. We aim to support 2,500 people by 2025, and to date we’ve helped 1,917.”
To find out more about Employment Services and the help available, visit: www.myabri.co.uk/my-support/employment-training-and-volunteering
If you or someone you know looking for help isn’t able to make a session in person you can get in touch with the team by emailing ESDepartment@abri.co.uk or by calling 0800 432 0570 (for Hampshire, Berkshire, West Sussex, Wiltshire and Bournemouth) or 07900 260463 (for South Somerset and Weymouth.)