Breaking the cycle of homelessness in Rochdale through innovative training

Project 5 graduation ceremony group picture

The first participants of a programme for local people who have experienced homelessness, discrimination, inequality or negative social stigma have celebrated their success at a graduation ceremony.

In 2021, Rochdale homelessness charity, Petrus, launched a free training programme for local people who have experienced homelessness, discrimination, inequality or negative social stigma.

The first participants of Project 5 have recently finished the programme and have now graduated.

Head of Petrus, Sonia Denham, said: “Project 5 offers a unique way for participants to identify their direction, choice, future, way and journey. This has been an incredible project and the six participants in the first cohort are rightly proud of everything they have achieved. The graduation ceremony allows us to celebrate successes and share stories. Congratulations to everyone involved.”

Project 5 aims to break the cycle of homelessness by supporting participants discover their potential, build confidence and self-esteem, work as part of a team and learn digital skills, preparing them for employment, further education or training. Course content is delivered by The Learning Foundry with support provided by Petrus. Project 5 included a residential at listed building, Trafford Hall, with renowned poet, Mike Garry, working with participants to have their voices heard and listened to.
 

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Joanne Abrahams, managing director of The Learning Foundry, said: “Project 5 is an incredible programme that makes a real difference to the lives of participants. We’re so proud that this is something we can offer to those who have experienced homelessness or inequality.”

Project 5 recently welcomed its second cohort, with six Petrus service users undertaking the programme to develop employability skills.

Sonia said: “Six Petrus service users are graduating from Project 5 and all have made huge steps towards training and employment. Participants have gone on to further education, job searches and even set up a website to promote their musical abilities. We knew the programme would be successful but we never imagined the impact it would have. I’m so excited to see the amazing things cohort 2 will achieve.”

Petrus is a homeless charity and relies on donations and funding to deliver services like Project 5. To support their work, visit https://www.petrus.org.uk/donate/