Local housing provider Grand Union Housing Group (GUHG) has signed up to a consortium of over 80 social landlords, called ‘Give us a Chance’ (GUAC), whose mission is to transform lives by enabling housing providers to support people into employment.
Of those of working age living in social housing, around half are unemployed, which is three times as much as other tenures.
GUHG’s Executive Director of Operations, Phil Hardy, said: “Social housing isn’t just about building more homes. Our customers are really ambitious people and it is a privilege to support them in realising their employment aspirations. This really is a win for everyone as we know that it helps customers sustain their tenancies, it cuts the cost of welfare benefits and has a positive impact on the local economy.”
Karen Nicholson, GUHG’s Community Investment Manager, added: “We already offer a range of services to help customers to find employment, including helping with CVs, improving customers’ digital abilities, providing customers with training to learn new skills and build their confidence, as well as youth mentoring and volunteering opportunities. Being a member of GUAC will help us to influence stakeholders in relation to housing and employment, on behalf of our customers.”
GUAC research has found that housing associations invest around £70m a year in employment and training support programmes, the majority of which is from their own funding.
Pictured above is Kelly Ednie, Community Development Officer at Grand Union Housing Group, with Towcester resident Alison Tysom, who has benefited from GUHG’s careers service advice. Kelly suggested how Alison could boost her employability skills and put her in touch with our Digitial Inclusion Officer, Amie Towler, who encouraged Alison to sign up to some online courses to help Alison in her search for work.
