Community appointment in Easterhouse

Wellhouse and Provanhall Community Trust in Easterhouse has appointed Katie Gould as their new community development assistant.

A local resident, Katie grew up in the Wellhouse area and credits the Trust’s ‘Back to Work’ and volunteering programmes for giving many people valuable life skills.

She said: ‘When I grew up there was very little like this available. People couldn’t find work if they didn’t have qualifications or experience and would turn to gang culture and crime.’ As her own children grew up, she encouraged them to take part in schemes such as the Hub Sports Football Academy. ‘This encouraged team work and community spirit from a young age,” she said. ‘Through such schemes, people learn new skills, are made aware of new opportunities, gain a better sense of self-worth and meet others in the same position as themselves.’

The Trust goes the step further and, in partnership with the John Wheatley College, can guide people to training and recognised qualifications as well as CV writing, interview skills and references from volunteering work.

Katie says volunteering is particularly valuable in giving people a good profile with potential employers, practical skills and a boost to self-esteem. ‘You see a real change in attitude from people since the Hub’s services and volunteer opportunities came into place.’ said Katie. ‘People are much more optimistic about the future and feel they can make a difference.’

This mirrors her own experience of working with the Trust as a volunteer, gaining knowledge, skills and confidence and moving into work. ‘The Trust helps you get ILA funding for courses and teaches you skills that make you more valuable to employers,’ she added.

Now her hope is that young people in the district can be encouraged to take part in volunteer and community schemes run by the Trust to help them achieve their best.

The Trust offers a wide range of volunteer and work experience programmes to help people into work, improve skills or simply help others around them who need support.

For more info see website: http://www.wellhouseha.org.uk/

Twitter: www.wellhousect

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Or contact : Wellhouse Housing Association, The Hub, 49 Wellhouse Crescent, Glasgow G33 4LA Tel: 0141 781 1884