London,
08
July
2021
|
11:17
Europe/London

Camden council supporting homeless residents into work

Camden Council has launched an innovative scheme to support homeless residents into work.

In partnership with online crowdfunding platform Beam, Camden residents will have access to:

  • A Beam caseworker and personalised support to develop a career action plan
  • Access to Beam’s crowdfunding platform
  • Through the platform, funding can pay for accredited training with vetted training providers, plus travel expenses professional work attire, as well as a laptop, smartphone, wifi and childcare fees
  • Access to Beam’s employer network of over 60 companies, that includes Bupa and Ocado
Councillor Danny Beales, Cabinet Member for Investing in Communities, Culture and an Inclusive Economy
“We are committed to providing the best possible employment support across the borough for all our residents, and recognise the need to provide specialist tailored support to those in Camden who are facing more entrenched barriers when entering and staying in work.

“As a result, Good Work Camden has partnered with online crowdfunding platform Beam to enable us to provide specialist employment support to residents experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.

“This partnership will better enable residents to access the opportunities that they need to progress towards their career goals, and ultimately achieve fulfilling and appropriate employment.”
Councillor Danny Beales, Cabinet Member for Investing in Communities, Culture and an Inclusive Economy
Seb Barker, co-founder and COO of Beam
“We’re excited to partner with Camden Council and work together on an innovative approach to tackling homelessness in the borough.

“This partnership will also help us provide local businesses in Camden with a diverse and motivated workforce to help rebuild our economy in the wake of the pandemic.”
Seb Barker, co-founder and COO of Beam

Through Beam’s website, residents can now crowdfund the cost of items that can be a financial obstacle to starting work, including job training, childcare, a laptop, travel, PPE, work tools and attire.

The scheme is focused on assisting residents into key worker roles such as warehouse operatives, carers and support workers, which have seen a surge in demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also supports people into jobs in the construction, retail, teaching and security sectors.

Each resident is provided with their own fundraising page on Beam’s website, which includes their story and an itemised budget breakdown of how much they need to raise. Members of the public can then donate as little as £1 and leave a message of support. So far, 100% of crowdfunding campaigns have fully funded within an average of 17 days.

Camden resident Mel said:

“The help that I’ve received has been amazing. Beam has helped me with the skills that I need to shine. Everything from CV preparation to financial support. I was completely overwhelmed by strangers donating money during these strange times when everyone is struggling. Reading the messages of support made me emotional and I’m now feeling very positive about my future after a very difficult few months.”

Join Beam’s programme

Eligible residents can be referred to Beam by their Camden housing officer or support worker. There is also an option to self-refer. Go to beam.org/camden for more details. Residents will then be assigned a caseworker from Beam, who will support them on their journey through training and into stable work.