Riverside - Landlord’s boost for jobless

11 May 2010

Riverside is helping people into work through its partnership with the Liverpool Lighthouse community group and Fusion 21 – a social economy business. The social landlord helped to place 19 people into jobs at Liverpool Lighthouse through Fusion 21’s Future Jobs Fund by recommending the centre as a suitable beneficiary of the scheme. As a supporter of Liverpool Lighthouse, Riverside has already donated £6000 towards a volunteering and employment programme, and helped to refurbish the basement of their premises in an old cinema in the heart of Anfield

Thomas Blain, a wheelchair user, was struggling to find a job after graduating with a degree in Film Television production. Through the scheme, Thomas is now media and marketing assistant at the Liverpool Lighthouse, gaining crucial work experience.

Thomas said: “This opportunity has been the first ray of hope since leaving university, with the possibility of permanent employment. I have access to continued support, which is really helpful for me in full time employment for the first time.”

Riverside is also delivering its own job opportunities through the Future Jobs Fund, so far placing 15 people in positions ranging from office based projects to environmental services benefiting local neighbourhoods.

Stephen Chapman is regeneration officer at Riverside. He added: “It’s great to see partnership work really benefitting people. Our links with Liverpool Lighthouse and Fusion 21 have helped to change the lives of 19 young people, who have been long term unemployed. Seeing their progression and improving prospects for full time work is fantastic.”