Charity's building firm to aid disadvantaged

Dec 24 2009 by Chris Knox, The Journal

ONE of the region’s biggest charities for the homeless has launched a major initiative in time for Christmas, which will see it help disadvantaged youths launch a career in construction with the launch of a new company.

Newcastle-based The Cyrenians has set up building firm TCUK Property Services to carry out two contracts worth £3.3m and will employ some of the region’s most underprivileged youngsters to get it off the ground.

The charity is currently recruiting its first batch of 18 workers, which includes eight trainees from its Brighter Futures construction skills training centre in Newcastle.

The first contract will be the refurbishment of the Cyrenians own Grade II-listed emergency access building in the West End of Newcastle, which is funded by the National Treatment Agency and the Department of Communities and Local Government’s Places of Change programme.

The second is the development of a substance misuse accommodation service for North East mothers in Newcastle, also funded by the National Treatment Agency, which sees the refurbishment of one building and extension and will involve the refurbishment of one house and the building of five more.

All eight of the youngsters already chosen for the work have experienced addiction problems or have been homeless, with the bulk of the 18-strong workforce to include youngsters who have criminal records.

Brighter Futures training centre opened in April 2007 with funding from the Northern Rock Foundation, the Drug Interventions Programme and the Government’s Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, and provides introductory construction skills training.

Cyrenians chief executive Stephen Bell said: “TCUK will be a springboard back into mainstream employment and will provide independence for people who have been through our support and training programme.”

The charity’s revenues grew by 50% to £6m over the last five months and now has over 145 staff, 130 volunteer helpers and benefits over 800 people weekly. It has invested over £5m this year and plans to grow further in 2010.