News

Jobseekers across Kent are being given free one-to-one telephone and email support thanks to a unique community partnership.

Kent-based housing providers, Golding Homes and West Kent Housing Association, have joined forces with Clarion Futures, the charitable foundation of Clarion Housing Group which operates nationwide, to provide valuable employment support for residents during the coronavirus outbreak.

Operating from the Community Hub in The Mall Shopping Centre (Maidstone), the partnership had been providing regular employment support to the community for 2 years.  Following its temporary closure, the group came up with an innovative idea to provide the service virtually, continuing to offer support to those who need it.

The virtual service, which was set up three weeks ago, is aimed at anyone who is unemployed or looking for extra work. Job seekers can call in to ask for help with CV writing, online job searches, job applications and covering letters. Between the three organisations, one Employment Advisor is available each weekday between 10am–12 noon to provide one-to-one help and guidance.

Penny Lowe, Employment Advisor at Golding Homes, said: “We have a long-standing, positive relationship with Clarion Futures and West Kent Housing Association that has supported the local community with a range of employment initiatives for the past two years. We find ourselves in really challenging times and wanted to work together, pooling our resources and expertise, to help make a difference to people and support them as much as we can. For my colleague, Jenny Fairweather (pictured), and myself it is important to continue to deliver a service for those who need support.”

Julie Berry, Employment Support Officer for Clarion Futures, said: “Working with Golding Homes and West Kent Housing Association we’ve been able to adapt the delivery of our key employment services to make sure we can continue to support people during these difficult times. We’re proud of our partnership and hope that our virtual job shops and remote employment advice will make a real difference for job seekers across the county.” 

Dawn Grant, Employability & Enterprise Manager from West Kent Housing Association said: “This help is available to anyone that needs it, you don’t have to be one of our residents. Our aim is to get Kent working again.”

For anyone needing employment support the daily sessions run from 10am to 12noon and contact details are:

Monday - Julie (07952 120838, julie.berry@clarionhg.com)

Tuesday - Jenny (07720 309687, jennifer.fairweather@goldinghomes.org.uk)

Wednesday – Dawn (07850 506383, dawn.grant@wkha.org.uk)

Thursday – Pauline (07715 993293, pauline.smith@westkentextra.org)

Friday – Penny (07720 309727, penny.lowe@goldinghomes.org.uk)