By supporting the Business Action on Homelessness (BAOH) campaign in Bristol, Barclays’ regional trainer for the South West region, Sam Campbell-Watson, has been able to match and develop the skills of her team to the needs of homeless people being supported through BAOH’s Ready for Work programme.
Sam’s team became involved with the campaign in 2008 and has so far run three Client Support Network sessions for homeless clients who have completed work placements and are looking for work or recently in work. These sessions have involved supporting clients in preparing for an assessment centre, teaching interview techniques, networking skills and helping young homeless people with soft skills.
In total, 45 clients have benefited from Barclays' expertise and the training given has had a significant impact on the clients involved. Feedback from the clients includes:
Sam's team at Barclays has also benefitted. Getting involved with the Client Support Networks has not only provided a practical way to help homeless people, it has also delivered tangible results for the staff involved. Volunteers have benefitted from improved listening, team building, planning and organisation skills. Feedback from Sam's team includes:
“This has helped me keep an open mind and network with people outside my usual place of work”
“I have improved on my listening skills and how to break down activities for others”
“I feel more flexible, open minded and enthused”
Supporting BAOH has enabled Sam’s team to continue learning professionally while also giving something back to their local communities; the team is planning more sessions for later this year.
