Ethos Public Relations Manchester

Successful project is rolled out to Oldham estate

by Ethos public relations

An award winning project worker is collaborating for a second time with social landlord Contour Homes, part of Symphony Housing Group, to bring a successful community employment project to the St Mary’s estate in Oldham.

Liz Douglas, founder of the Roots project has previously worked with Contour Homes in Bolton and has now been commissioned by the company to develop a scheme which will help local people gain access to work.

Liz is working with residents to establish their own social identity, reduce worklessness and improve social and emotional development skills. Her team team is looking at issues which may prevent people from getting a job and working with them to teach them new communication skills.

They are currently working with people between 18 and 35 who are unemployed and never been in work.

“I am putting in place some personal development programmes which I hope will encourage people into employment, education, training or voluntary work,” said Liz.

“I can already see people are becoming more motivated and are setting new goals for their future.”

Contour Homes is developing 93 homes on land owned by the Council which is bounded by St. Mary’s Way, Egerton Street and Horsedge Street close to Oldham town centre. New residents are due to move in during 2012 and Liz hopes that her project will also help local people get to know each other a bit better and foster a sense of community.

Shanine Meadowcroft from Contour Homes said: “We have established a community hub on site at St Mary’s which is being specifically used for community projects like this. Liz is renowned for getting results and we look forward to helping young people in the area exploit new opportunities.”

To read other news from Contour Homes click here

Posted at 21^st December 2011