Emmaus North Staffs helping to develop employment skills with workshops open to the public
A series of workshops aimed at developing employment skills have been launched by a North Staffordshire Charity.
Emmaus North Staffs received funding from the European Social Fund to provide the free woodwork sessions, which will run until December 2022.
The charity have also welcomed new staff member Brett Bowman who will be overseeing the workshops with sessions taking place on Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursdays at Emmaus Furniture Warehouse – the charity’s enterprise in Hanley.
Priority is being given to those who are unemployed and seeking work or training opportunities, but the sessions are available to everyone.
“It was great to receive the funding which has enabled us to employ Brett specifically to oversee the workshops and I am really excited about them,” says John Webbe, Executive Lead of Emmaus North Staffs.
“Brett has a wealth of experience and has structured the workshops so each one is different and each will help others to develop skills whether for the home or workplace. The sessions are ideal for the long-term unemployed and we will also be able to offer personal development support, paid travel to the sessions and provide lunch for those who are seeking work or training opportunities.”
Brett said: “I am delighted to be working with Emmaus North Staffs. The workshops are a great way to learn new skills and receive training support – all for free. We will be recycling furniture at the same time which is great.”
Brett adds: “Tuesday’s session is all about making small items for the home and garden, on Wednesday’s we will be taking part in furniture repair workshops and then on Thursday’s I will be helping others to learn how to use hand tools. The sessions have so much to offer and I would encourage anyone looking to develop their DIY skills to get in touch – there’s so much to learn.”
Each woodwork session runs from 10am – 2:30pm. Booking is essential by Emailing: carmensandin@emmausnorthstaffs.org.uk visit the Emmaus North Staffs Facebook Page to book a place. Or telephone 01782 846111 and ask to speak to John or Carmen.
Emmaus North Staffs works to support local people to move away from poverty, with plans to open up accommodation for formerly homeless people in 2022. Emmaus North Staffs run the Emmaus Furniture Warehouse in Hanley which specialises in furniture and homeware and encourages local people with disadvantaged or unconventional backgrounds to volunteer and benefit from the experience and sense of routine it offers.
