17 November 2008
Ahead of launching the Government's Rough Sleeping Strategy, Minister for Homelessness Iain Wright visited St Mungo's construction skills project Bricks and Mortar to meet with trainees and staff and try out some of the activities on offer.
Homelessness Minister Iain Wright said:
"Just providing a roof over a homeless person's head does not equal 'job done'. If we are to end rough sleeping for good, we have to give people more than a bed for the night, we need to help them to get back into employment and independence and this is exactly what this scheme does.
"Meeting some of the Bricks and Mortar Project trainees really brought home to me how practical opportunities such as training and learning new skills can really transform people's lives."
Mike McCall, Executive Director of Operations at St Mungo's said:
"The Bricks & Mortar project offers homeless men and women a fantastic opportunity to get skills and qualifications in bricklaying and plastering, which can provide a platform for jobs in the construction industry. The course also helps build confidence and real sense of purpose, which are the crucial building blocks for recovery. We are committed to developing new, innovative ways of helping hostel residents on a pathway to employment and rebuilding their lives away from the streets".