On 1 March 2013, Kidderminster based, The Community Housing Group hosted a breakfast forum to encourage top Wyre Forest businesses to look close to home when recruiting.

The Group believes that a Local Employment Strategy is vital to the economic regeneration of the district and that businesses will also benefit as money is re-invested from wages spent locally.

They are particularly keen to support young unemployed people, as at present, 1 in 4 aged 18-24 are out of work, training or education in the Wyre Forest. 

Executive Director, Marina Banner explained “We wanted to highlight the difficulties faced by young people and to show how easy it is for local businesses to make a real difference by simply offering short term work placements”.

The Group, through their subsidiary company Vestia Community Trust have developed a special programme to help young people gain confidence and skills to give them a chance of gaining paid employment. They attend an interactive employability course over a month and a have an opportunity to gain valuable work experience with local companies.

Vestia Community Trust offer free advice and assistance to companies who are willing to give young people a chance.  During the morning session, a number of companies pledged their support for the initiative with many more keen to explore possibilities further with the Group.

For further information about training or work experience opportunities, contact Vestia Community Trust on 01562 733133 or visit their website www.vestia.org.uk