Communities 1st became a Gateway organisation for the government’s Kickstart scheme in October 2020. We successfully applied for government funding to help 15 local VCSFE groups recruit a total of 61 new employees on 6-month contracts, fully funded by the Kickstart scheme. We invested in the success of these placements by designing and delivering a 6-month Employability Skills training programme for all 61 young people employed via our Gateway. This has helped to build their confidence and improved their prospects of gaining lasting employment.
Jeremy started with us in May 2021 through the Kickstart scheme, as a temporary Volunteer Centre Administrator. He’s now a permanent member of the team, and has been made Volunteer Centre Liaison Officer!
He chats to local charities, finding out what kind of volunteers they need, and then sources the volunteers.
Jeremy enjoys the variety in his day to day work, and the responsibility he’s been given.
“It’s nice to see how grateful the organisations are when you’ve found them a volunteer they really needed.”
Alex came to the Sunnyside Rural Trust almost a year ago through the Kickstart programme, as a trainee horticulturalist. He was teamed up with Sunnyside mentors and helped with plant production and community based grounds maintenance work. He strengthened his interpersonal skills and learnt a lot about the technicalities of plant growing.
Alex has now been placed with a landscape supply company, and has been taken on full time.
“Alex has bedded-in well, works hard and effectively, and is now a part of their team.” - Ian, Sunny Side Rural Trust
Callan started working at Communities 1st in spring 2021. To begin with, he did odd jobs such as calling foodbanks or cleaning up data. Now he is an integral part of our team, and has taken on a full time permanent data administration position.
“Pretty soon, I found myself surprised by the almost-forgotten feeling of day to day satisfaction. I was helping. I was making a difference. My efforts were contributing to people in my community who needed help and guidance.”
