Charity's new project helps homeless back into work
Exeter-based charity, St Petrock’s, as set up a home and garden maintenance project with a difference.
Project Petrock aims to help people who are or have been homeless into work or training by providing volunteering in ‘real work’ situations.
Project Petrock’s Training Supervisor, Mat Tandy explains said: “Our volunteers want to be busy but find it extremely difficult to find work and meaningful occupation. By volunteering with us, the volunteers know that their labours contribute to keeping the project going in more ways than merely raising funds.”
Volunteers gain on-the-job training from Mat, an experienced builder, whilst making meaningful use of their time and gaining a current volunteering record.
Since March this year, of 18 volunteers joining the project, 2 have gone into employment and 3 onto formal training.
This is what some of the Project’s volunteers have said:
“Being involved in Project Petrock has helped motivate me. I’m in my 30s and never had my own place before, never had a proper job. The motivation the volunteering has given has helped me keep my place and feel work ready.”
“Volunteering with Project Petrock reduces my stress levels- for a day I can leave my troubles behind me and just be who I am and feel that I’ve accomplished something.”
Project Petrock provides gardening, landscaping, painting and decorating, carpentry, gutter clearing and other services. Many of the volunteers are highly experienced but have been out of the labour market for some time.
Mat said: "We have a number of commercial customers. Many companies want to put something back into the community, with Project Petrock they receive a service as well as make a difference to people’s lives.”
The business receives some funding from Provident Financial’s Good Neighbour fund, but relies on private and commercial work to generate the volunteering opportunities and sustain the project.
For a free estimate at competitive prices call 01392 848713 or email: info@exeterhouseandgarden.co.uk website: www.exeterhouseandgarden.co.uk or find us on Facebook, facebook.com/ProjectPetrockCIC
