St Mungo’s launch pathway to employment for London’s homeless men and women

30 January 2008

On Tuesday 29th January 2008, St Mungo's, London's largest homeless charity, launched Pathways to Employment, an ambitious new programme to support residents in their journey towards realising their vocational aspirations. The launch took place at the St Mungo's Cedars Road Hostel in Clapham.

The programme delivers advice, training and daily activities directly within St Mungo's hostels. Residents write their own Pathways to Employment plan with their key worker and receive regular support from a vocational guidance and coaching specialist. They help to break down the plan into manageable stages and provide encouragement and advice along the way.

Charles Fraser, Chief Executive of St Mungo's, said:

"Just 4% of our residents are in employment, and yet we know that 97% want to work now or in the near future. The men and women we support have complex needs and benefit from structured, specialist support delivered in an easily accessible way. We are excited about this new programme, but committed Government funding is required in order to sustain the work and deliver it to all our residents."

Speaking at the launch, London Assembly Member Val Shawcross said:

"I am immensely proud of St Mungo's and the work that it does. This new employment programme is a great example of where charities such as St Mungo's are ahead of the game, and providing wrap-around services tailored to the needs of the individual."

St Mungo's hopes that 18 months into the programme:

  • 50% of residents will have clear vocational direction and aspiration
  • 30% of residents will be actively looking for work
  • 10% of residents will be in paid employment.

The programme is being piloted from January 2008 at St Mungo's Cedars Road and Cromwell Road hostels. It will then be rolled out to three other projects between 2008 - 2009.

Click here for further information on the Pathways to Employment programme.

ENDS

For further information, interviews and images please contact the press office on 0208 762 5570

Notes to Editors

  • St Mungo's is London's largest charity for homeless people. We support people in their recovery - opening the door to safe housing, health care and work. For more information please visit www.mungos.org

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