Tackling Homelessness In South Wales

Following a successful pilot scheme in Cardiff, Business Action on Homelessness (BAOH) – a unique partnership between business, homeless agencies and the Government – has expanded to Newport. 

Research by Bain & Company in 1998 and 2006 indicated that 44% of consumers want business to support the homeless and when asked how they thought this should be done, 73% of consumers replied job placements and employment training, while 70% said job coaching.

Through its Ready for Work programme, BAOH aims to break the vicious cycle of ‘no job, no home’, by helping homeless people to find employment and live independently. 

To support them and keep them on the right path on completion of Ready for Work – a two week work placement – BAOH offers the support of an external job coach for six months.

The Newport programme is sponsored by Barclays and organised in partnership with Solas Cymru – which provides accommodation training and support for single homeless people and families in South East Wales.

Kathy Brown, Community Relations Manager at Barclays said: “Barclays has been involved with BAOH for many years and we are delighted to support this programme in Newport. Our community investment focuses on using our knowledge and expertise to tackle social issues such as improving financial literacy and helping people get into work.”

Jocelle Lovell, Business Development Executive at Business in the Community added: “Participating businesses can benefit from improved reputation with clients and customers, as well as a new recruitment pool of potential employees with excellent loyalty and retention.

“The programme also encourages staff development opportunities, providing a valuable experience for employees and management.”

Christina Davies Employment Link Worker Network at Solas Cymru – part of the Seren Group - said: “We already work with local employers and the support we receive is invaluable.  BAOH demonstrates the potential positive impact business can have in improving people’s lives.”

If you are interested in supporting BAOH or would like further information on the programme, please contact Jocelle Lovell on 029 2048 3348 or jocelle.lovell@bitc.org.uk.