Cash boost to help Rochdale job-hunters find work

Job-hunters are being offered the chance to bid for up to £500 each as part of a housing association campaign to support residents into work.

Contour Homes tenants in Rochdale who need financial help with things including fees for training courses, essential uniform or equipment, and travel costs can apply now to the new Works For Me Fund.

Tenants can also sign-up for a free service that sends them email updates about jobs, training, work placements and other vacancies in the area where they live.

The Works For Me Opportunity Club also provides details of volunteering and community opportunities, and residents can tailor the service so they only receive information they are interested in.

Both initiatives are officially launched today (Monday, June 30) and are open to anybody living in a Contour property. The social landlord provides more than 12,000 homes across the North West, including in Rochdale.

Residents can sign-up or apply at www.contourhomes.co.uk

Community Investment Manager Andrew Lord said: “Through our community work, we already know that lots of tenants are desperate for work but there are often real barriers in their way.

“Even a small amount of money can make a big difference to somebody who is struggling to afford travel to an interview or the cost of training that will help them find a job. We really believe the support we’re offering can help and we’re hoping for a lot of interest in the scheme.”

Contour Homes hopes to provide financial support to between 50 and 100 tenants looking for work this year, and is aiming to help more than 750 people through the Opportunity Club.

As part of Symphony Housing Group – the largest social housing provider based solely in the North West – Contour Homes finds out about a wealth of job, training and apprenticeship opportunities that tenants could be suitable for.

Some are within the Group, while others are with suppliers, contractors and partners. The Works For Me Opportunity Club aims to share these opportunities with residents.

Andrew Lord added: “We’ve got a lot of contacts and partnerships with other organisations and we want to make the most of them to help our tenants.

“People might think we’re just here to provide homes, but we take real pride in supporting our customers and being part of the communities where we work.

“People can really tailor the information they ask to receive from the Opportunity Club so they only get details that they’re interested in – and the service is completely free. If you’re looking for work or want to take up volunteering to help boost your confidence or learn new skills, we can help.”

Contour Homes also runs job clubs, helping people find suitable work vacancies, improve their CVs and prepare for interviews. For more details, please contact worksforme@symphonyhousing.org.uk