Who we work with
Housing associations
MBL works with local housing associations, primarily in areas of multiple disadvantage to support their tenants into work, volunteering and training. This work includes running job clubs, workshops and a one to one mentoring service for adults with low confidence and skills levels.
Job clubs operate on a drop-in basis and support people with job searching, CV writing and interview techniques. People are helped to develop their skills and encouraged to take increased responsibility in applying for work and volunteering.
Mentoring and workshops provide additional support based around individual needs. Participants benefit from interview practice, identifying personal skills and qualities and improving formal writing skills.
Benefits for Housing Associations are
- Increased engagement from tenants with their housing association
- An effective way in terms of time and accessibility for tenants to receive support
- Increased success for tenants in developing their employability
- Supporting people who may be disadvantaged, encouraging independence and participation
Matt Smith, Community Regeneration Manager at First Wessex Housing comments:
“Gill, Karen and their team deliver professional support in a very relaxed and informal way that makes our residents feel at ease and provides them with the ideal learning environment in which they can develop.”
Case study: 1-1 support service
Jane was referred from the Job Centre in April. She has not been able to work since 2009 and was still not ready to return to work but wanted to get prepared. We looked at the support that Jane needed, she had low confidence and self-esteem.
‘I had nothing going for me – I was just sitting at home all day’.
We began by looking at her skills; she felt her Maths skills needed a boost. We were able to give her some 1-1 support to build her confidence and in Septembershe started a course at Farnborough College of Technology. Jane also wanted to improve her ICT skills and has completed a Basic Computer course which gained her a certificate. All this is preparing Jane for work. Jane completed all of this in just 10 weeks!!
‘Coming to see MBL has opened up a new chapter for me’