Work experience for homeless

Six Cork-based companies are giving homeless people work experience as part of a new strategy to help them rebuild their lives.

Entrepreneur, former Dragons’ Den star, and former presidential candidate Sean Gallagher, launched Cork Simon’s first Step to Work placement programme which has described as a “win win situation” for all involved.

Cork Simon is also in talks with more companies which have expressed an interest in getting involved.

The programme will see selected companies offering short-term work placements to suitable candidates who have experienced homelessness, and who are on the road to leaving it behind them.

Cork Simon offers one-to-one support to both the company and the person on the work placement.

A ‘buddy system’ is also established in the workplace which links a staff member who is willing to offer advice and support, to the person on the scheme.

The ultimate aim is to help improve the person’s employability in the long- term.

The scheme was devised after a Cork Simon study last year which found that 96% of the people it works with were long-term unemployed, 65% were early school leavers, and 59% did not feel confident looking for or returning to work.

The study also found that 65% of Cork Simon residents were worried that potential employers would not employ someone who is or was homeless.

“These findings indicate troubled lives from a young age, social isolation and disadvantage,” said Dermot Kavanagh, Cork Simon chief executive.

“It will help people to improve their skills, build their confidence and be better prepared for returning to the workforce — taking another step further away from homelessness.”

He described it as a “win win situation” for everyone involved.

“It can be of enormous benefit and support to someone working towards leaving homelessness behind them,” he said.

“But the company benefits too as Step to Work supports staff development, improved staff morale and the ‘feel-good’ factor of making a real difference to someone overcoming big obstacles in their life.”

*If your company would like to get involved in the scheme, email [e-mail].