When Standguide was looking for a base to deliver its Connect to Work programme in Preston, the choice of Caritas Care’s Plungington Community Centre was, in the words of Service Manager Chris, “a no-brainer.”
“We wanted to make sure we had a community base for the programme,” he explains. “The centre was already well known locally, the location is brilliant, the staff couldn’t have been more helpful and the existing support they provide is absolutely amazing. We’re literally right in the heart of the community.”
That location is making a real difference. The Connect to Work programme supports people facing barriers to employment, from long-term health conditions and caring responsibilities to homelessness, domestic abuse and leaving care. Every person receives tailored, one-to-one support, helping them find sustainable employment and they continue receiving guidance for six months after starting work.
For Chris, being based at Plungington Community Centre is about much more than having office space. It means being part of a trusted community where conversations happen naturally and people know where to turn for help.
“The staff here have really bought into what we’re trying to achieve,” he says. “When someone comes in looking to get back into work, they know exactly who to speak to. We’ve had a number of referrals directly from the community centre, and that’s been absolutely superb.”
Ben Clayton, Caritas Care Plungington Community Manager adds, “We see every day how a trusted community space can change lives. Having Standguide based here means local people can access expert employment support in a place where they already feel welcomed and valued. Together, we’re helping people build confidence, develop new opportunities and take positive steps towards a brighter future. That’s what community is all about.”
The partnership is already changing lives. Chris recalls one centre volunteer who lacked confidence to return to work after facing personal challenges. Through patient support and personalised guidance, they began to believe in themselves again.
“Seeing the difference in that individual’s confidence from when they started to now – they’re a million miles apart. Sometimes unemployment can be a lonely place, but having someone alongside you makes all the different.”
Chris believes that collaboration between organisations like Standguide and Caritas Care are is essential to reaching the people who need support most.
“Everybody deserves a crack of the whip if they need it.” He says. “Even if we can’t help someone directly, nobody goes away without a plan. Working together in the heart of the community means we can reach the right people and give them the best possible chance to build a brighter future.”
