For the past five years Barclays has focused a large part of its UK community investment on employability, with a special concentration on dealing with homelessness as a key barrier to employment.
The Changing Lives programme was set up in partnership with Crisis in 2002 with the aim of helping homeless people develop independent lives through gainful employment, with increased self-esteem and confidence. Barclays has invested over £550,000 in the programme since this date.
Research shows that the majority of homeless people have worked before (90%) and are ready to work again (77%), but are often caught in a vicious circle of dependence, eroding skills and declining social networks. Figures such as these demonstrate the crucial need for Changing Lives – the only financial award-giving programme for homeless people.
The programme makes awards to pay for learning that rebuilds skills, to set up a business, or – in some cases – for both, where a short course will lead to work. The programme is an extremely cost-effective solution to unemployment, costing on average £1,000 per recipient for their first step back into training or work. It also provides ongoing help and support through a dedicated team at Crisis.
Of those who have received an award, the strongest representation is in the 25-34 year-old age bracket, matching recent studies showing that the highest proportion of single homeless people fall within this age group. Common recipient backgrounds include mental health problems, ex-offenders, refugees and previously being in the Army, or in care.
Barclays employees also get involved in Changing Lives, giving up their time and volunteering their skills to run sessions and Changing Lives workshops and mentoring award winners.
