Almost 400 formerly homeless people found employment through Ready for Work Programme

‘I loved that Friday feeling – walking home with all the working people’ – David Ready For Work participant

Almost 400 formerly homeless people have been placed in work experience roles with over 60% of these leading to employment. This was announced today at the 10 year celebration ceremony for the Ready for Work programme which took place in the Maldron Hotel. Our Ready for Work programme helps to support formerly homeless people who are trying to get back into employment. It develops CV and interview skills, assigns suitable work placements, gives guidance and feedback during the work placement period and supports the participants during job seeking

“The barriers facing homeless people who are attempting to move on and live independently can be overwhelming. Their challenge is not only to secure accommodation but also to reintegrate into the community and rebuild their lives. On top of this, a long period of not working and out of the ‘mainstream’ can leave people with low confidence and fears as to whether they can fit in again. Our Ready for Work programme is unique in having the employment of formerly homeless people as its sole objective.” said our CEO Tina Roche.

Currently, Ready for Work, which is part funded by the Department of Social Protection is a Dublin only programme but to date has impacted the lives of almost 400 people. In the first year of the programme, eight people participated in work experience and five were subsequently placed in employment, so far in 2012, 40 people have participated and 26 of these have moved on to employment with others moving into education or training. All participants have said that the programme has increased their confidence and motivation for finding employment. 

“One of the main aims of the programme is to dispel the myths of homelessness and encourage companies to recruit from this group. Providing employment can be the best way for businesses to help homeless people in the long term and there are business benefits too which can be seen through the continued support of the programme by Marks & Spencer who have placed over 200 participants across the 10 years of the programme.” said Tina Roche.

Companies who have provided placements to date include, Marks & Spencer, KPMG, Boots, Arnotts, Brown Thomas, Momentum Support, Unicare, Parkwest Business Park, Peninsula, Tesco, Carillion and the Maldron Hotel Group.

Watch the video to hear some participants’ success stories and how companies can benefit from involvement with the programme.

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