Launching Project 5 training offer to break cycle of homelessness
We’re looking forward to launching our new training programme Project 5 alongside Rochdale-based homelessness charity Petrus!
Project 5 aims to break the cycle of homelessness by supporting people to recognise their potential through a trailblazing, bespoke model of engagement.
It is a unique new programme available to adults in and around Rochdale who have experienced homelessness and those who have been affected by negative societal stigma, discrimination or inequality.
Project 5 will use a person-centred approach to empower participants to recognise that it is their direction, their choice, their future, their way and their journey.
Participants will be supported to develop employability skills at their own pace, including building confidence, self-esteem, teamwork and digital skills and preparing participants for employment or further education.
They will receive a work experience placement of their choice and will be fully supported throughout by our dedicated Employment Coach Andy and Petrus Learning and Support Worker Tracy. Participants will also be offered additional support if they move into employment following the programme.
In the lead up to Project 5 starting, Petrus have held meet and greets for our participants to come along to the Hub to explore their learning space and get to know their peers and the team that will support them on their training journey.
Ahead of the launch on Wednesday 25th August 2021, Project 5 is already creating opportunities for Petrus service users who have been involved in the development of the programme; including service user Marvin who joined the interview panel to recruit our new Employability Coach.
Petrus service user Marvin, who will be taking part in Project 5, said: “I was initially sceptical about if this programme would be truly original and not simply a repeat of former courses I have attended, however, assisting with the interviews and learning about the hiring process reassured me.
“I found it informative as well as enjoyable and character building and I was impressed by the passion of the interviewees, whose focus is on helping us! Project 5 will consider individual needs; I found this a refreshing approach and I am looking forward to starting my personal journey.”
Fellow Project 5 participant Hayley added: “I am really excited to begin my new journey with Project 5!”
Liz Varey, Service Lead at Petrus, said: “We are really excited to bring this unique opportunity and new approach to building people’s skills and confidence to our borough. Our commitment to empowering people to flourish and understand the value they have to offer is fundamental to all of our work; especially as we often support people to overcome negative stigma and adversity which has unfortunately caused them to feel unworthy.
“Project 5 offers each of our participants an opportunity to build on their individual strengths and abilities as well as developing new skills, abilities and above all self-esteem and hope for the future. We look forward to them joining us at our Hub this week to start their training journey!”
Jo Abraham, Managing Director at The Learning Foundry, added: “We are proud to be part of The Regenda Group alongside Petrus and to be working with their team to deliver this joint training programme, which will support service users to achieve their full potential.
“Our team is experienced in supporting learners who have faced adversities and we’re pleased to be working alongside Petrus to expand our training offer into the Greater Manchester region.”
To find out more about Project 5, visit www.thelearningfoundry.co.uk/project-5