A GFC Community project has been mentioned by Rehman Chishti MP in the House of Commons this week
One of Gillingham Football Club's community projects was mentioned in the House of Commons earlier in the week by Rehman Chishti MP.Rehman, who is the member of Parliament for Gillingham and Rainham, discussed the DWP project which the Community Trust has recently launched.
The Football Club's Community Trust has been commissioned by the Department for Work and Pensions through Job Centre Plus in Medway to deliver an imaginative and engaging project for individuals who have been unsuccessful in the job market.
The programme is managed by former Gills player Ian Cox and the rationale is to provide individuals with opportunities and experiences that help them improve their employability by exposing them to a range of industries and programmes that improve skills, self-esteem and motivation.
The project was launched a couple of months ago by Chairman Paul Scally and Gillingham MP Rehman Chishti and early results have been positive. Job Centre Plus are delighted with the outcomes.
Esther McVey, the Employment Minister, also gave it backing in Parliament earlier this week.
The exchange in the house can be read below:
Rehman Chishti MP: “Will the Minister welcome the initiative that has been set up in my constituency with the support from the DWP and the local Gillingham Football Club, along with Medway Watersports, to provide young people with skills and positive experiences to assist them in securing employment or further training?”
Esther McVey MP said: “I will indeed join with my honourable friend for the work that he is doing working closely with Gillingham Football Club and also the Chairman Paul Scally who’s recently launched this help for young people.
"It really is key. Various community groups and sports groups up and down the country are helping young people through the flexible fund and really this is something to be highlighted, as many people as possible coming together to support young people into employment is key.”
Alan Dennington, the trust's Business Development Consultant, said: “Professional football has a unique ability to engage even the most hard-to-reach groups and by working with non-traditional partners such as Medway Water Sports and Catalyst in Communities we are able to deliver a project that is effective on many levels.”