Liverpool residents reclaim their future in work with free support
10 July 2024
Torus Foundation’s Future Focus programme is transforming lives in Liverpool, by offering essential employability and financial support.
As the charitable arm of Torus Group, the largest affordable homes provider in the North West, Torus Foundation is dedicated to empowering communities, and with the support of funding from the Fusion21 Foundation, part of national procurement provider Fusion21, even more people are benefitting from the programme.
Based at Torus Foundation’s FireFit Youth and Community Hub in Toxteth, Future Focus has so far supported over 220 individuals since its launch in April last year. The project primarily targets ethnic minority communities, but is open to everyone looking to return to work. Support is then provided directly from Torus Foundation or signposted to other local organisations working closely with the Foundation.
Key highlights so far include:
- 57 individuals have found work
- 76 participants enrolled in skills training
- 44 residents received money and fuel advice
- 165 ethnic minority residents have benefitted from the programme
Participant, Remi, has been attending regular Future Focus sessions, where the team have been helping to highlight his skills and experience ready for his next employment opportunity. Remi comments,
“Torus Foundation is providing a brilliant service, giving plenty of options for people like me who are looking for work.”
By enhancing employability skills and providing financial advice, the programme is helping people gain confidence, complete courses, and secure jobs. In addition, the team are connecting participants to English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses to those looking to overcome language barriers. Tracey Walsh, Head of Employment and Skills at Torus Foundation, shares,
“We’re delighted that Future Focus has delivered successful results so far, which is just one of Torus Foundation’s initiatives delivering key support. By offering tailored guidance and practical resources, we’re helping residents gain confidence, build new skills, and secure meaningful employment.
“We’re extremely grateful to the Fusion21 Foundation, which is allowing us to make a positive, lasting difference in people's lives."
Jo Hannan, Head of Fusion21 Foundation said,
“The Fusion21 Foundation is passionate about funding practical solutions that make positive differences in people’s lives. We’re proud to have contributed more than £56,000 to this project on behalf of Fusion21 member Torus Foundation, which is instrumental in supporting those living across Torus communities.
“This initiative has resonated with our funding priorities of employment and skills, health and wellbeing, and financial inclusion. We’re delighted with the outcomes already achieved and look forward to watching the project deliver more in its second year.”
Future Focus is part of Torus Foundation’s wider programme of varied support available for those living across Torus communities in Liverpool, St Helens and Warrington. Whether you are looking for support to find work, build skills, make the most of your money, improve your overall health and wellbeing, or help strengthen the impact being made, check out the full services on offer.