Employment project celebrates 10 years in service
A project aimed at helping carers and ex-carers has celebrated its first decade.
People into Employment (PIE,) which is based at ETEC Development Trust, hosted a celebration event on Friday 4 June 2010.
Special Achiever awards were given to PIE clients Bernie Morris, Monique Garvel, Maureen Allen, Annette Storey, David Forster, Colin Barron, Sharon Casey and Linda Hansford.
PIE also honoured Ann Bastholm, Terry Bradbury, Julie Chisholm, Gwynneth Ross, Sharon Casey and Susan Morris.
A number of volunteers were also given certificates at the event, which took place at Hudson House, Moor Terrace, Hendon, Sunderland.
PIE client Colin, 48, of Hall Farm Estate, Sunderland, is now well on his way to getting his first job in almost 30 years.
PIE staff first encountered Colin when he attended the Caring with Confidence course, which was funded by the Department of Health.
After years of suffering ill health and looking after his partner, Colin wanted to get back into work.
With the help of PIE, Colin attended a number of courses before staff approached Remploy - one of PIE’s Working Neighbourhoods Fund partners.
Remploy has now secured a 16 hour per week work placement for Colin at Asda, Sunderland, where he is gaining experience in the supermarket’s staff canteen.
Colin said: “I’m loving every minute of it.! I just wish I could do more! I’d love to actually work for Asda!”
Sunderland Central MP Julie Elliott presented all of the carers with their awards. She commended the work of ETEC Development Trust.
Julie said: “Places like this are absolutely crucial for getting people into work and volunteering.”
Since April 2000, PIE has supported 1,000 local people with disabilities, carers and ex-carers.
Of the total clients, 700 have progressed into employment, training or voluntary work.
Gill Charman, PIE Manager, said: “It’s great to be able to recognize the achievements of such a number of people, who are so often overlooked in the community.”
PIE offers support to carers and ex-carers throughout the borough of Sunderland. The project helps clients to take the first steps into training and work.
Support is tailored to meet individual needs and can include training, voluntary work and employment.
Staff can arrange to meet clients and prospective clients at venues close to their homes.
PIE is part of ETEC development trust. ETEC is a charity, which specialises in providing high quality training and development.
Words and photo by ETEC
Photo: Staff from PIE prepare to cut the cake, celebrating 10 years of PIE.
PIE will host an informal training course on 5 July 2010 aimed at boosting unemployed carers and ex-carers confidence. For more information please see our Events section.