Posted on 27 June 2022
At Hyde, we’re really proud of our Kickstart scheme and we currently have 19 Kickstart colleagues working in roles are across the organisation. They vary from positions in Housing Management to roles in Hyde Foundation.
The Kickstart scheme is a government programme providing funding to create new jobs for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long term unemployment.
Lucy Sullivan is from Canonbury, Islington, and is one of our ‘Kickstarters’. She is currently working at the Ringcross community centre in Islington - a community hub and social centre, run by the Pilion Trust. It offers vital support to local residents including a community foodbank, ‘stay and play’, clubs for the over 60s, support for women fleeing domestic abuse and advice and support for customers with complex needs.
Lucy tells us more: “I started working with one of Hyde’s community partners, the Pilion Trust, in March (2022) as an Administrative Assistant at the Ringcross Community Centre. I applied for this position through the Kickstart scheme. I wanted to work for Hyde as I’d heard great things about what it does as a housing association and the positive work that it does in communities, including Islington.
“Working in a community centre is a really exciting opportunity for me (before this role, I had only worked in hospitality). I love it as every day I find myself experiencing something new, and I have met some lovely people.
“By working with my manager, Savvas, I’m beginning to understand the challenges that running a charitable organisation brings. The Pilion Trust’s main challenges include securing adequate funding - the food bank serves over 420 households a week (and is only open for two days a week). Another challenge is finding homes for young people under the age of 25, who desperately need somewhere safe to stay.
“I’m already looking to the future. Working with the Pilion Trust has helped how I communicate with people. The role has also demonstrated that I have a passion for social care and helping clients with their needs, which can often be complex. I’m really hoping to pursue a career in the social sector now.”
Kerry Starling, Hyde’s Director of Communities and Social Impact, said: “Hyde has a strong record of supporting people into work and we’re proud to be part of the Kickstart scheme.
“It’s brilliant that Lucy’s Kickstart role has enabled her to work at the heart of Islington at our Ringcross community centre. Not only is she supporting customers, but she is seeing first hand the challenges that many of our customers are experiencing. What a great way for Lucy to start her career - this is what our Kickstart programme is all about.”
Find out more about the Pilion Trust.