Community Development

As an organisation Mercian is committed to investing in local areas to help people achieve their aspirations for a better life.

Employment Support

A high number of our residents are long term unemployed or experience periods of temporary unemployment. This together with low income, can lead to problems with rent payment. Many of our residents face barriers when finding the right job, such as:

  • Where do I get information?
  • Will working affect my benefit?
  • Can I access training?
  • I have no experience
  • I have no qualifications
  • I have been out of work too long to go back

We believe we have a responsibility to provide information and support to residents who wish to seek employment or better their employment opportunities.

Adult Advancement & Career Service - Open Door

 

Mercian, in conjunction with the Learning & Skills Council and four other local housing associations, is taking part in the Open Door Programme - a pilot programme in the West Midlands to help residents in the areas of learning, work and careers.

To coordinate the work for the Open Door Programme, Mercian has recruited an Employment Development Officer (EDO). EDOs are responsible for working in key neighbourhoods to identify the employment and training needs of residents and members of the local community and then directing them to organisations that can help.

Kim Bairstow has been appointed as EDO for Mercian, joining the Community Regeneration Team. Kim will provide a central point of contact for residents looking for help with getting back to work, a career change or training. Kim will also offer advice on other barriers, such as childcare and money problems.

Anyone of any age or circumstance, whether they are employed, unemployed or have been made redundant can contact Open Door. If you feel that you need some support, call Open Door on 0333 456 0203 or visit www.opendoorjourney.com for more information.

 

Other Useful Contacts

We have developed very strong relationships with organisations who can give such support such as:

Job Centre Plus www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk  
Employment Needs and Training Agency (ENTA) www.entapeople.com  
Ingeus www.workdirections.co.uk  
Pertemps www.pertemps.co.uk  
DePaul Trust www.depaultrust.org  
Home-Start www.home-start.org.uk  
Sure Start www.surestart.gov.uk  
Connexions www.connexions.gov.uk  
Learning Skills Council www.lsc.gov.uk  
Building Health Hub - www.bhhub.co.uk/home/default.aspx (employment opportunities in the Health sector).

The service we aim to provide will assist people to overcome the barriers faced when seeking employment. The benefits to Mercian will be the upskilling of our residents and reducing the number of people who are out of work. Enabling residents to greater afford to pay their rent, develop a greater sense of responsibility and contribute to the upkeep of their neighbourhoods.