Branching out into business-startup support and developing employability

Having embedded our existing clubs and classes, Tang Hall SMART are now getting more in touch with our core vision, which is all to do with generating employment. There are three strands to this:

a) Our new (FREE) business-start-up surgery, with help from UNLTD, (for whom we are an Anchor Organisation) and also Joe Gardham from Social Vision, and Mark Finch (Community Catalyst) - to offer people encouragement, mentoring, signposting to wider support, a bit of practical support, and even some access to small business-start-up grants from UNLTD for business-ideas, where there is a strong link to Tang Hall. Every 2 weeks from October 10th, we can be found in the cafe area of @The Centre at Burnholme. The surgery will run from 1.45-2.45, but if you come earlier, you can catch Wasabi Diminished playing at 'Music in the Reading Cafe'!

b) Our Developing Employability strand, aimed at adults who feel far from the job market and who have barriers such as mental health problems, experience of homelessness, addiction, long-term unemployment. This ESF funded scheme is running from October 2018 for 3 months, and offers adults a combination of supported voluntary work, job coaching, and a chance to take part in any appropriate clubs/classes.

c) Our SMART-WAYS programme, aimed at young people aged 16-25 years, who have an EHCP, and who require a more individualised approach than college can offer, and who are interested in developing their employment skills. 4 pathways are offered: music, electronics, art/marketing, and supporting others/admin role.