Homeless Oxfordshire residents recently attended a building workshop hosted by Beard Construction, resulting in one of the attendees feeling inspired to arrange work experience in the industry.
Engaging workshop
The engaging workshop facilitators from Beard connected well with the attendees, all of whom had lots of questions about working in the sector. Attendees learned about the educational and work opportunities across the construction industry which also included technical or teaching possibilities for people with physical injuries or limitations.
Another resident who attended the workshop commented how he had felt at a loss after deciding not to return to his previous career as a chef, but that this workshop had now opened his eyes to the possibilities of starting a new career in the construction industry.
Overcoming challenges
It is well-documented how challenging it can be for people who are experiencing homelessness to return to work. But this is not always just for practical reasons like lacking a permanent address, bank account access, and interview clothes.
Often low self-confidence and mental health issues like anxiety and depression can present bigger obstacles on people’s return to work, along with simply not knowing what steps to take next or what opportunities might be available.
Homeless Oxfordshire’s resident engagement team work with our support teams to meet people where they are on their journey through homelessness and provide them the support they need to explore their options and find opportunities.
Confidence boost
Homeless Oxfordshire Resident Engagement Manager, Estella Wild, said she felt the workshop gave attendees a confidence boost. “The emotional impact this has had on them will ripple out to other residents within our services,” she said.
She added: “Beard did a brilliant job as corporate partners and ambassadors for the industry, providing a high quality experience for all of the participants.”
