Labour market equality begins at home

Employment of former homeless people within the homelessness sector is rare, ad-hoc, and often perceived as potentially problematic.

The GROW project, led by Thames Reach, worked to change the culture and practices of the homelessness sector, to foster an environment that accepts employees who have experienced homelessness.

The Delivery Model

The first phase of the scheme offered homeless and vulnerable people paid, nine-month, traineeships within Thames Reach projects. While most traineeships were based within projects that provided face-to-face support, others worked in fields such as IT, HR and Finance.

Trainees were coached to make sure they meet the needs of a highly-professional organisation. In turn, the charity benefited from their first-hand knowledge of homelessness. The trainees provide inspirational role models for others looking to rebuild their lives.

At the end of their placement, trainees should have the skills and experience they need to be able to compete for jobs on a level playing field.

“Having been homeless myself, I really wanted to give something back. When I was a service user, I asked one project worker about getting into the sector – they told me I’d need to complete a three-year course. But GROW provides the bridge between unemployment and full employment” - GROW trainee

Thames Reach has modified its own policies and practices, including recruitment methods that could directly or indirectly discriminate against formerly homeless people

By end of 2007, 25 trainees had joined the scheme and 16 had secured further employment.

Toolkit and Good Practice

An Online Toolkit, containing information and advice for other voluntary organisations wishing to start a similar scheme, is now available.