Bury businesses pledge their support to social housing tenants

A programme that helps social housing tenants in Bury access workplace opportunities and free training unveiled a brand new website to an audience of local organisations last week, and asked them to pledge their support.

The programme, Steps To Success (S2S), was launched in 2013 by Six Town Housing and supports unemployed people living on their estates. Six Town Housing manage housing stock on behalf of Bury Council.

Over 40 people attended the event, which took place at Lancashire Fusiliers on Friday 13th November, including representatives from local businesses and from Bury Council.

Before the website was unveiled, attendees found out more about the programme and watched video case studies of several tenants who have already received support. This included a video by Ryan Smith, a tenant who has accessed a S2S marketing apprenticeship and recently picked up a Princes Trust Rising Star award for his work.

The new website will be a “one stop shop” for anyone living on a Six Town Housing estate who is looking for employment. It will list training and events, and connect tenants to advisors who can signpost them to workplace opportunities within Six Town Housing, partner organisations and other local businesses. The S2S team provides tailored support to each tenant, to help develop their skills and confidence so that they can move into a career that fits with their lifestyle.

Bury business Rocknine worked on the website’s design, with owner Craig Duerden saying that they will be using the website themselves to promote their own opportunities to tenants.

Sharon McCambridge, Chief Executive at Six Town Housing, said: “S2S has already helped over 2,200  tenants access free training, apprenticeships, placements and much more. I’d like to thank all those who attended and pledged their support. With their help, the website will help us create even more success stories in the borough and continue to make a difference to the lives of tenants.”

Councillor Rishi Shori, Deputy Leader of Bury Council, said: “Bury Council is committed to helping local people access employment support and opportunities. S2S complements our own support programmes, helping boost the confidence of tenants so they can get a foot on the jobs ladder. The new website will help unemployed tenants find and respond to opportunities more easily.”