19/01/2012 : Stepping stones to success
Brent Housing Partnership's (BHP) Housing Support Team has successfully helped two young tenants (16-25), who have been managing their own tenancies, to find employment and pursue self development opportunities with the Prince's Trust's "Get Into" programme.
The Housing Support Team provides floating support for vulnerable tenants to help them sustain their tenancies as well promote independent living. The team works in partnership with other departments within BHP, social services, external agencies and community organisations in order to provide tailored support for each individual.
As part of the Housing Support Team's programme, the two young residents were referred to the Prince's Trust. The Prince's Trust run a "Get into" programme for UK residents aged 16-25 who are not in employment, education or training. The programme offers intensive training and experience in a specific sector. The training is from qualified professionals and gives young people the opportunity to improve their teamwork and communication skills, boost their confidence, whilst also developing their interview skills and CV at the same time. They are also provided with help and support towards getting a job after the course is over.
The young tenants benefited greatly from this programme. Glen Carrier, aged 25, was sent on a one week placement with South Eastern Rail and was then offered a full time position with the company. Glen said: "This job opportunity came at the perfect time. I had been looking for work for a long time and kept receiving rejections. I had no qualifications and gaps in my CV which did not help. BHP and the Prince's Trust helped to give me support and motivation when I really needed it. My advice to other young people is to make the most of every opportunity that comes their way. It gets tougher when you are older and have responsibilities, so you should make sure you have some solid qualifications and experience behind you. I am so happy to have been given another chance and am inspired to work hard and turn my life around".
Nadena Hardy-Kula, aged 22, was also referred to the programme in June 2011. Nadena was trained in events planning and was sent on a two week placement in this field. Nadena worked on many prestigious events and venues including the Royal Albert Hall and Windsor Castle. Through her exposure to the Prince's Trust and networking, she became aware of the position of "young ambassador" for the Prince's Trust. She applied and was accepted. Nadena now represents the Prince's Trust at various events and talks about her experience with them in order to get support for the work that they do. Nadena says that her involvement with BHP and the Prince's Trust has opened up her eyes to endless opportunities and possibilities. She said: "Before I joined this programme, I was not doing anything. I didn't know what I wanted to do. I now have a focus and believe that your life is what you make it. It's not about where you came from, it's about your future and how hard you work to get what you want from life".
Maxine Douglas, BHP's Housing Support Officer, who was working with both the young people said: "I believe it is important to remind young people that they are instrumental in shaping their future. By giving them encouragement, listening and providing them with practical information, they are enabled to make decisions that will have a positive impact on their lives".
Gerry Doherty, Chief Executive of BHP, said: "BHP wants to help our younger and more vulnerable tenants as much as possible. We want to give them the necessary support and advice, and help them to grow in confidence and be self-reliant. We are very pleased at the success of these two young people and would like to wish them well in their future endeavours".