The Restore Trust, the Bristol-based social enterprise helping the long-term unemployed and ex-offenders back into the workplace, is celebrating three years of success next week.
Since its launch it has supported more than 800 clients across Bristol and Somerset, enabling them to achieve vocational qualifications in IT and construction, customer service and retail, and hospitality and catering.
The first courses offered in IT and Construction involved 110 ex-offenders in renovating run-down properties and co
mmunity facilities which have since been sold on or brought back into community use.
Many of these trainees continue to work on similar projects with the trust’s strategic partners.
Re-offending for those involved in the project has been reduced by 38%. In addition the trust has a 24% higher success rate than the Work Programme in moving trainees into full time work, an encouraging figure given that it works with some of the hardest to reach in this area.
The Restore Trust works closely with The Probation Trust, Job Centre Plus and partners such as Weston College. Originally grant funded, it now generates its own income generation operates.
Chief executive Adam McMeechan said: “We have gone through the painful evolution of being a grant funded organisation to one that operates on its own income generation. We compete and thrive in this environment because we continue to
put our clients at the centre of our vision, responding to their needs and removing barriers to work.”
Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens and Bristol Mayor George Ferguson will join Restore Trust clients and partners to celebrate its third anniversary at an event at TLT’s offices next Thursday between 5pm-7pm.
