Community Enablers
Reaching Communities
An exciting and innovative three-year project funded by the Big Lottery’s Reaching Communities Programme
Call Sam for the latest information on
vacancies on her mobile 07872108258
or email sam@hastingstrust.co.uk
To download a pdf of
a list of
current volunteering opportunities
please click here
What does Community Enablers Do?
The project builds skills, confidence, aspiration and stronger communities by helping local people, groups, organisations and employers to work better together.
What do people say about it?
'…helped me connect with other people'
'…the opportunity to develop my employability'
'...definitely helped with skills via the training'
'I've learnt creating a plan of action really does get things done'
'…opened my eyes to the local arts community'
How does it work?
It offers opportunities for volunteering and work placement experience, business and enterprise development and community building.
It also helps local people to become more confident, job-ready and employable if looking for work.
What’s happened so far?
Since the project was launched in November 2010, over 200 local individuals, groups and employers have participated in wide ranging activities such as developing their businesses, hosting and participating in volunteering and placements, undergoing accredited training, and other learning and development activities.
How does the project work in practice?
Community Enablers is designed to help meet the specific needs of both individuals and organisations with the emphasis on mutually beneficial links. The work is underpinned with network support, education, training personal and professional development, help with community projects and activities, employability and other economic activity, career advice and support, signposting and referrals to specialist bodies.
Community Enablers networks with a wide range of organisations, attending business linking and enterprise events, the Hastings Community Network, learning, volunteering, young people's and other forums throughout the town.
What examples are there?
We have helped employers in all sectors with work placements and volunteering. We can offer assistance with recruitment, interviewing and role descriptions, risk assessments, first aid training, travel expenses, CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) checks, special equipment and other support.
We have helped many local people with one-off events such as the Bikers Bank Holiday and preparations and help on the day for EcoFabulous with over 700 visitors, to sustain businesses, showcase community activity and improve local quality of life.
PTLLS (Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector) training by WEA hosted by Chapel Park and graduates are now teaching; Census Training and helping others fill in their forms; building an online community of poets and writers by facilitating workshops with the F-ish Educational Trust; Level 2 Food Safety Certificated Training helped people to develop their business, find work, support a community activity and enjoy food together.
Our popular Monday Club is recognized by the Jobcentre as part of a national network of ‘Workclubs’. We offer free use of the Resource Centre’s computers for job searches with experienced and skilled volunteers available to help with CVs, application forms, interview tips and other ways into work. To meet demand, we now also offer the service on Thursday afternoons and a computer club most Friday afternoons.
L-earn Pilot Pre-Apprenticeship
L-earn, a partnership of the Hastings Trust with HFS (Hastings Furniture Service, the lead body), Funding Futures, Rother Voluntary Action and 1066 Enterprise, was awarded ESCC funding for a ground breaking pre-apprenticeship pilot to support local unemployed 16 to 18’s with 6 months employment and training. 11 young people were employed between January and September 2011 in jobs including administration, furniture delivery, warehousing and as Soap Maker with partners Visionary Soap.
The young people also received essential work force training in First Aid and Health and Safety, on the job vocational training, help to attain level 1 and 2 qualifications in literacy and numeracy, career development and other opportunities according to need.
Since September, eight of these have already moved on into paid work or learning.
Following the scheme’s brilliant success, we hope to gain more funding for additional pre-apprentice opportunities for young people at risk of exclusion.
Contact us with your ideas and for any help you require
The Community Enablers Team
communityenablers@hastingstrust.co.uk
Heather Smith: heather@hastingstrust.co.uk
Sam Skinner: sam@hastingstrust.co.uk
Ben Browton: ben@hastingstrust.co.uk
Dee McRedmond: dee@hastingstrust.co.uk
Jodie Cornford: Jodie@hastingstrust.co.uk
Steve Shonk: steve@hastingstrust.co.uk
Telephone 01424 446373, 07872108258
Hastings Trust, 35 Robertson Street, America Ground, Hastings, East Sussex TN34 1HT
