A training project to help people in Carlisle find cleaning jobs by enhancing their skills and improving their confidence has proved a great success.

The project was run by Riverside, a leading social housing provider throughout the UK, Pinnacle PSG, Riverside’s cleaning contractor, and Carlisle College. The project consisted of 15 applicants completing a two week ‘pre-employment programme’ at Carlisle College to help build their confidence and interview skills.

Three candidates, Ian Fell, Sophie Taylor and Richard Hodgson, were chosen as the successful applicants.

Sophie had been searching for work since August and was looking forward to getting stuck into her new role. She said: “I want to learn to drive and having wages coming in makes that aim a bit closer.”

Ian had worked in a warehouse for three years before he was laid off due to the downturn in the economy. He said; “I couldn’t believe I got the job, it didn’t sink in for a while.”

Richard had struggled to find work since he came out of the army and he says that this opportunity has “turned his life around”.

Kerry Glaister, employment and training officer at Riverside, explained: “the response to the opportunity was terrific.

“We are working with all our contractors and education providers to create more employment and training projects leading to job opportunities like these, helping to raise prosperity and aspirations.”

Since April 2012, Riverside has supported over 300 local people to access training employment and apprenticeship opportunities.

Ben Hawley, contract manager at Pinnacle PSG, commented on the project: “This is the first time Pinnacle PSG have recruited through a pre-employment training course and we are delighted with the outcome.

“The quality of the 15 applicants was so high, if we had had 15 vacancies we could have filled them all!

“All three successful applicants had been trying to find work and feel like this has given them the fresh start they needed. The enthusiasm and commitment to their new roles really shines through.”

Over 100 residents and their families attended the first New Vision Homes’ Residents’ Day on Thursday 11 April 2013.

The event took place at the Parkview Centre for the Community in Sheerwater and was well supported by the local centre.

A series of community think tank forums ran throughout the day focusing on repairs, welfare reform, resident engagement, community safety and major works. The forums all included an interactive voting session for residents to instantly feedback on the service areas under discussion.

Team members from the mobile repairs centre were on hand to log repairs and give updates on existing jobs.

A Neighbourhood Advice Hub was also available enabling the Police, Surrey Save, Citizens Advice Bureau, Sure Start and the Mediation Service to give advice to residents on a wide range of issues and problems.

The event also featured a police bike marking service and a window box display workshop.

To keep the youngsters amused there was also an animal farm, face painting and soft toy play area.

A community café provided free tea, coffee and cakes throughout the day.

“We wanted to hold an event which was both informative and useful for our residents, as well as providing some fun and entertainment for young families in the area, so we were delighted with the turnout we had for our first resident’s day”, said Gelina Menville, NVH Service Development Manager.

“The feedback we received on the day was fantastic and we are already planning our next resident’s day to take place in the summer.

“A big thanks has to go to Parkview Centre for the Community for their help and also to the Tenant Representatives of Woking who supported us through the day”, added Gelina.