Leicestershire Cares Homelessness Project

Leicestershire Cares is a membership organisation of the key local employers who believe in the importance of Corporate Social responsibility.

The Leicestershire Cares Homelessness Project, working closely with local agencies and organisations, identifies people who are ready for work but perhaps lack confidence or have been out of work for a long period of time. It works with people who are homeless, in temporary accommodation or those who have moved on into independant living and are looking to break the cycle of "No job no home, no home no job".

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Clients are given the opportunity to (re)enter the job market and gain professional training through a minimum of a two week mentored work placement. Through our placements partners we are able to provide work experience in a range of environments including warehouse work, retail, food preparation and engineering, computer maintenance, front of house reception, the building industry, the Royal Mail and the care profession.

The project has already had an impact on the lives of the homeless in Leicester and the surrounding areas, providing opportunities that they may not have had  available in normal circumstances, and in particular helping people into full time, sustainable employment.

Our placement companies have found that employers involvement in the programme through "buddying" is an aid to staff development and motivation as well as improving management communication and team building skills.

Recent Homelessness Case Studies

James 28:
When we were first introduced to James it was clear this was a person lacking in confidence and self esteem. He was living in a hostel and had not worked for some 6 years. We were able to arrange for him to participate in a two week mentored placement at Shoe Zone.

This experience made him feel he could once again look for employment and with our help , has gone on to gain full time employment in a warehouse through an agency and has since found the confidence to start living independently in the Braunstone area.


Charles 26:
Charles had been living in hostels for the past 3 years in and round the Belgrave area and had not had a permanent job for 4 years. He was referred to us by Action Homeless. He is bright, articulate and enthusiastic, but altough he had applied for several positions over the previous 6 months he had only been invited to one interview for a job he eventually did not get.

We spent some time finding out what he wanted to do and arranged a placement at Zavvi in Leicester. Following his two week experience he was asked if he wanted to continue for another week which he did covering the late shift for other colleagues. At the end of the third week Charles was offered full time employment. He is now planning to move into independent living.