Employment support specialists Steps To Work was paid a visit by West Midlands Police & Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster.
The PCC met with Step To Work’s Chief Executive Officer, Prof Paul Cadman and Chief Operating Officer, Ayesha Rees, at its head office to discuss its range of initiatives and learn about the support that the charity and its recruitment arm, Starting Point Recruitment (SPR) offers to communities in Walsall and the wider area.
During his visit, Mr Foster also met with members of the team to learn about the work they do to help people in the area, whilst also speaking to those who had themselves benefitted from the support services that Steps To Work and SPR provide.
Over the last five years, STW has supported 47,983 local unemployed residents across the West Midlands to build their confidence, gain new skills, face their challenges, and ultimately obtain secure employment and financial stability.
Last year alone, the charity supported more than 1,000 people into employment across a range of industry sectors, including manufacturing, retail, hospitality, sales and marketing, IT, and social care.
During the meeting, the PCC learnt how the organisation is supporting West Midlands residents to gain vital skills needed for employment, helping to break the cycle of unemployment and poverty for many. This includes the Steps To Work Community Hub, situated in Pleck, which provides up to 600 meals a week for up to 80 local families.
Simon Foster, the West Midlands Police & Crime Commissioner, said: “It was a privilege to visit Steps To Work and Starting Point Recruitment in Walsall and witness first-hand the remarkable work being done by their teams. By working in partnership, these organisations play a crucial role in helping local people find employment and contribute to the overall development of the region. I am thoroughly impressed by their commitment to driving positive change.”
Prof Paul Cadman, Chief Executive Officer at Steps To Work, added: “We were delighted to welcome Simon Foster to our office in Walsall. The support of community leaders like Mr Foster is invaluable in enabling us to continue providing vital services to local communities and the unemployed.
“Together, we can create lasting change and transform lives for the better.” For more information about the employment support services that Steps To Work deliver, please visit: www.stepstowork.co.uk
To find out more about SPR, please visit: www.spr-online.co.uk
Back to News Archive