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The Police and Crime Commissioner is using money seized from criminals to help people in Coventry get back into work following the pandemic.

The funding provided by Simon Foster, which amounts to £5,000, will support courses which aim to help people develop skills in warehouses and logistics, business administration, catering and hospitality, together with CV writing, job searching and financial literacy. 

The Halo Employability Programme will also run awareness sessions of local issues in Coventry, particularly in areas with high crime rates.

Simon Foster’s funding has helped the organisation buy IT equipment that will enhance online learning.

Additionally, training rooms have been revamped and there will be a dedicated employment officer to work with people.

The skills sessions are facilitated by ‘Feed The Hungry’ who run international food aid programmes and Coventry Foodbank. They have seen that people accessing foodbanks may need other forms of support such as a development in employment skills.

The target groups for the programme are those aged over 55, people between 18-25 and young offenders and people with disabilities.

The courses will take place at The Halo Centre and are set to start from the Autumn for up to 10 people at a time.

People will be invited from across Coventry, but there will be a particular focus on supporting individuals in the Binley, Willenhall, Hillfields and Stoke Aldermoor areas.

Simon Foster, The Police and Crime Commissioner said, “We have seen high levels of unemployment as a result of the pandemic and so it is essential we offer programmes that support people as they attempt to get back into work.

“The Halo Employability Programme is a service which I am incredibly proud to fund as it will provide real benefits to the people of Coventry.”

Gavin Kibble, founder of Coventry Foodbank and Regional Operation Director of Feed The Hungry said, “From our experience of delivering emergency food provisions to those in need, we understand that in order to help individuals we need to provide much more than food.”

“By attending our employment programmes individuals will have a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills and potentially find employment. In this way we hope they will be able to support themselves and families not only with food but also by providing financial security.”

To find out any additional information on the programme email [email protected]

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