November 11, 2010 2.09 pm This story is over 160 months old

Charity to help unemployed Make A STart

Job prospects: A new programme will help with a grant those in need of training to find a suitable job.

Disadvantaged people in Lincoln will be given help to brush up their skills and get jobs by a new programme called MAST.

The Make A STart programme was launched at the Drill Hall on Wednesday, and aims to help people aged sixteen plus turn their lives around.

MAST was set up by a group of volunteers, with funding provided by charity Lincolnshire Community Foundation (LCF).

The group will also provide people looking for help with a grant to fund needed training and education for jobs.

Pictured: Key players involved in the project and special guests at the launch in Lincoln [L-R] Lincolnshire High Sheriff John Godfrey, Lincolnshire Community Foundation grants manager Sue Fortune, MAST chair Lizzie Milligan-Manby, Lincolnshire’s Lord Lieutenant and MAST Patron Tony Worth and Lincolnshire Vice Lieutenant Graham Rowles Nicholson.

MAST chair Lizzie Milligan-Manby said: “The type of grants which we will be giving out will help people to undertake or continue essential education or training to help them to find work or take up jobs.”

“But this is not simply about money, we will also provide support and guidance and signpost people to a variety of agencies, if they can give them the right type of help.”

“Members have provided their help and expertise in this area by working with a wide variety of organisations over a period of nearly 20 years.”

MAST will help a person in need instantly, as soon as Lincolnshire Community Foundation find out about someone needing assistance.

A volunteer will then visit the person and work out the individual’s needs, so they can see how the project can help them.

“In today’s economic climate […] we know there are truly disadvantaged people who might need help to, say, buy books for college courses, a hand to get back on their feet after going through a tough experience or even tools to allow them to grasp a career opportunity,” added Milligan-Manby.

Milligan-Manby said that although the ground is ready to go, further fundraising will need to take place to ensure it gets the impact in deserves.

LCF Grants Manager Sue Fortune said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to help local people improve their quality of life by getting into employment or training.

“Help is provided at every step of the application process.”

For further information please contact Sue Fortune on (01529) 305825