20 October 2015 | 4 minutes read

A father-of-two left struggling for work is now back in a job… thanks to a text message from a Liverpool housing association.

Paul Hill, aged 39, from Norris Green, was working as a labourer for an agency when his contract came to an end in March, resulting in him spending months out of work.

But his fortunes have now been turned around after he was offered a helping hand from his landlord, Cobalt Housing.

“When I was out of work I was down because I like to be busy and earn money,” says Paul.

“I’d done lots of short-term contracts with agencies, but I struggled to get anything permanent. I think my CV gave some employers the wrong impression because when people see lots of short spells of work, they think you’re not going to stay but that’s what it’s like nowadays.”

Paul, who shares joint custody of his two children, searched far and wide for work, but found it difficult to find hours that could also fit in with his family commitments.

Then in June, he received a text message from Cobalt, advertising a four week ‘Achieve and Aspire’ course on garden maintenance, and decided to sign up.

“I got the message through and thought, ‘Why not have a go?’,” said Paul. “Even if it didn’t lead to landscaping or gardening work, it could open a door to other opportunities.”

The four-week course was a joint project with Cobalt Housing and Liverpool Housing Trust (LHT), both part of Symphony Housing Group.

Also run in partnership with contractors Assist, Jigsaw Neighbourhood Solutions and Cobalt+ it aimed to give tenants work experience opportunity in grounds maintenance.

And while on the programme, Paul was signposted to a job vacancy with Cobalt’s contractors, United Living that was committed as part of their social investment. He sent in his CV, attended an interview and two weeks later found out he’d got the job.

“I had some experience already from my garden and I’ve helped out some of the elderly people on my street, but the course really helped me,” says Paul.

“I was made up when I got the call. I enjoy working outdoors – your day flies by and it keeps you physically fit. I can do more things now with the kids, too, as it’s difficult when you’re on the dole.

‘I’m also a lot more confident now, and I’ve got much more experience.”

In addition, as he settled into the job, Cobalt provided extra support including help with his work clothing and transport.

Further to this, the Symphony Achieve and Aspire project has been chosen from over 40 projects to feature at this years’ GUAC (Give Us a Chance) showcase which will take place on 27th October at the House of Commons in London.

The event celebrates how Housing Associations work effectively with employment service providers to improve tenant prospects and Paul will be attending with the Symphony Extra team to talk about how the programme has made a difference to his life.

Julie Lawrenson, Employment and Skills Officer for Symphony Housing Group, said: ‘The programme has been a great success in providing tenants with a solid base of qualifications and practical experience to support their progression into employment.’

‘ It isn’t just about providing homes, it’s important to us to add ‘Social Value’ too’.

Charlie Dunn, Managing Director (North) at United Living said: “We are really pleased to be able to offer Paul a permanent position – we understand how difficult it can be to gain experience or employment opportunities. We pride ourselves on being able to offer a range of work placements, apprenticeships and training schemes to ensure people gain vital skills and potential employment as part of our support and investment into the communities in which we work.”

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