European grant to give Bromsgrove people a NewStart

Buy photos » The £12,000 grant will fund the next phase of NewStart's training programme. s

A BROMSGROVE charity aimed at helping the homeless has launched a new phase of its skills training programme, thanks to a £12,000 grant from the European Social Fund.

NewStarts, based on Sherwood Road, can now provide people with woodwork skills training and work experience.

The scheme, aimed at those who are unemployed or who have limited work experience, will teach them to repair and restore furniture.

NewStarts' Chair of Trustees, Nicola Martin, said it helped participants build their confidence and overcome barriers that might prevent them from gaining employment.

"It is more than just gaining skills, it is a real helping hand to those looking for the next steps back to work," she added.

Twelve people have already gained certificates and skills in French polishing, furniture painting and safely using woodwork machinery, from the first furniture restoration course.

Trainee Gabbie Barnard said: "It has inspired me to try new things and it is great to be able to improve the furniture that gets given to others because I am also helping the local community."

Every month, NewStarts, which began seven years ago, provides free furniture and household goods to more than 60 North Worcestershire families in financial crisis.

The charity welcomes donations of re-useable household furniture and has a doorstep collection service.

The showroom in Aston Fields is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and between 10am and 2pm on Saturdays.

For more, call 01527 882410 or visit www.newstarts.org.uk .

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