The Social Justice SME Award was set up in 2013 to highlight the work of small and medium sized companies who have made a real difference to the lives of vulnerable people. The award acknowledges and celebrates the role that businesses often play in turning around the lives of individuals and supporting communities.
Providence Row’s Catering Trainee Scheme, run in partnership with the Andaz Hotel, opens doors for homeless and vulnerably housed people. We believe that emphasising what people can do, rather than what they can’t, can be the key to helping someone turn their life around. That is why, unlike many other schemes, we welcome rough sleepers who are currently experiencing mental health or substance misuse issues.
The Trainees, overseen by our professional chef in the 5 star hygiene rated kitchen, produce nutritious, tasty breakfasts and lunches for the 20-50 rough sleepers that visit daily. They are also joined by more than 100 volunteers a year from local companies in the area, one of the richest square miles in the world, who assist with food preparation and service. Both volunteers and clients alike enjoy working side-by-side and learning from each other in a busy but fun environment.
We are able to offer a service many other organisations are not in a position to. We manage this by having facilities and specialist workers onsite. We work with each client on an individual basis many of whom are excluded from other training schemes. Trainees receive specialist one-to-one and group work around drug reduction, improved mental health and employment. The centre becomes a one stop shop for practical and emotional support, learning and training in a welcoming, respectful community. For many of our clients the scheme can be a turning point, as they finally gain the support they need to help create a safer, healthier and happier life for themselves off the streets.
Since the scheme began 94 people have completed their training, with more than half going on to further education, employment or volunteering.
Trainee Scheme Manager Dom Gates said: "We're so pleased and proud that the scheme has been acknowledged at the Social Justice Awards. Through the scheme our clients are inspired to see a different future for themselves, away from the streets. They realise what they can achieve with commitment, hard work and the support they are entitled to. The award is testament to their hard work as well as that of staff and volunteers."
The awards, organised by GovKnow and the Department for Work and Pensions, recognise and celebrate the work of individuals and organisations across the UK that continually achieve effective outcomes which change the lives of people who are excluded, impoverished or disempowered.