In the last issue of What’s Cooking, we reported on how Only a Pavement Away (OAPA) stepped up to support the beneficiaries from House of St Barnabas when the latter was forced to close. The Cooks Charity has now given a grant to OAPA for their Passport 2 Employment Programme and the Trustees’ Advisory Panel (TAP) intend to build on this relationship with OAPA as a vehicle for recruiting, training and employing chefs from the homelessness sector.
The weeklong programme is hosted by hospitality venues such as The Wolseley, Hilton and The Strand Hotel and educates candidates – all who are at risk of or who have been homeless – about the world of hospitality and similarly informs employers on the benefits of hiring diversely. Hospitality and life skills workshops are provided and there is a focus is on nurturing candidates into work – particularly in host organisations – following a period of work experience. All participants are guaranteed an interview, trial shift or job at the end of the week and all take part in a graduation to complete the programme. Candidates are given one-to-one support for a period after the programme.
OAPA works as a conduit between employers and charity referral partners to provide pathways into work as well as delivering Passport 2 Employment with positive outcomes. One beneficiary said:
“P2E gave me a new career, I cannot believe where I am today thanks to this programme. Honestly, I do not recognise the man I was just a few months ago. It is just the best thing I have done”
Paul’s Story – from Homelessness to Becoming a Chef
Paul attended OAPA’s Life Skills Hub in July 2021 from House of St Barnabas. This three-week skills development programme led to a two-day work experience with The Ivy, where he made such a positive impression that they offered him a job. Paul commented,
“Since the job offer, my whole world has changed, I’ve suddenly become very busy, working at the restaurant is great, with talented staff and I am making friends, thank you for all you help, I have come a long way, and I feel confident I can do it”
Paul has been working at the Ivy for several years now!
