Kick-starting their future

Julia’s House has been very happy to help 30 young jobseekers into work through the Government Kickstart employment scheme – a scheme which helps those at risk of long term unemployment gain valuable skills in the workplace

These young people, aged 16–24, are determined not to let the effects of COVID lockdown hold them back. They have been undergoing their six-month trainee placements in the Julia’s House charity shops, and their help has been invaluable to our retail team.

“We’ve been blown away with the dedication and passion that our Kickstarters have shown since joining us in the spring,” says Tracy Stanley, Julia’s House Retail Manager. “They’ve been wonderful with our customers and a real asset behind the scenes in our shops, warehouse and retail office. We feel very lucky to have them on the team.

“It has been a real pleasure to give something back to the community and give these young people the opportunity to gain valuable skills and experience that will help them in the future.”

And while the charity saves on employment costs – with their salaries being paid by the Government – it means more of our shop income can go towards our care. So it’s a win-win situation! We wish all of our Kickstarters the very best with their future careers! Since Kickstarter, Jodie Symes, from Hamworthy was made redundant in 2019, the 24-year-old has struggled to find a job to fit around her life as a single mum to her young daughter: “Being a new mum, I found it hard to find something that was flexible around nursery hours and also suited the skills I had learnt from my previous jobs,” Jodie says. “I have been a different person since returning to work and have enjoyed every moment so far at Julia’s House. I love working with people who are proud of the job they do, and I have learnt so much already.

“I can finally have the work-life balance I have missed out on, and this is all down to the amazing and understanding team. I hope to further my career with Julia’s House as it’s such a happy place to work with great people.” Kickstarter, Peter Llewhellyn, was forced to isolate during the peak of the pandemic because of medication he takes for a health condition. For the 24-year-old, getting back to work has been a real boost:

“I basically haven’t been able to work for over a year because of the Covid outbreak,” says Peter. “Once things started opening up again earlier this year, I began to look for a role that would fit my skills and experience but I found it really difficult.

“When my work coach told me about the Kickstart scheme, I jumped at the opportunity as soon as I could” he says. “I’ve really enjoyed working at the Julia’s House Salisbury shop. I find the work rewarding and it has helped with my anxiety. It’s been a huge relief to have consistent hours and it’s been great to get back into work again.”

SUPER SIBLINGS

We want to celebrate our super siblings. We’ve not been able to run our usual sibling activities and events this summer but it hasn’t stopped the fun. One devoted big brother has even been space walking around the moon!

HARRY’S CHALLENGE IS OUT OF THIS WORLD

Super stellar Harry has been on a ‘Race around the moon’ to show how much he loves his little brother Reuben. The seven-year-old is inspiring others to join him on his 6786mile challenge to raise money for Julia’s House. His family are hugely thankful for the care they get for two-year-old Reuben, who was born with a rare condition that causes his brain to deteriorate. Mum Sophie says, “We’re beyond proud of Harry. He has such a special bond with Reuben. I think that’s what’s going to break our hearts the most when Reuben does pass away because they love each other so much.”

LOOK AT THE FUN OUR SUPER SIBLINGS HAVE BEEN HAVING WITH SIBLING WORKERS, MARIA AND TRACEY. SO MANY SMILES!

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