Heartbeat: Live and Work Programme highly commended nationally

July 6, 2020

Congratulations to the live and work team for being highly commended by the NHS Sustainability Awards.

The team were recognised for the programme developed with St Basils (a homelessness prevention charity) which provides apprenticeship opportunities and living accommodation within our workplace to young people (aged 16 – 24) who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. It was designed to break down barriers and build bridges with young people within the local community, enabling them to benefit from the additional support the package offers.

Olufemi Kuforiji (Femi), Widening Participation Project Support Officer told Heartbeat: “We were absolutely thrilled to be recognised in this way. This commendation demonstrates the commitment of everyone involved in the programme especially the young people themselves.

“We are currently supporting 21 young people undertaking apprenticeships in our workplace. Their roles include customer service, healthcare assistant and admin. They are all excelling in their roles and on their way to securing permanent positions in the organisation.”

Lawrence Kelly, Widening Participation Project Lead explained how the programme is an essential part of the support we deliver towards our commitments to integrated care in our community.

He said: “The success of the programme has enabled us to engage with other employers and community networks such as local construction, Balfour Beatty and Vinci along with local authorities and probation services.

“With the EU exit creating uncertainty over the possibility of recruiting health professionals from abroad, ensuring a flow of new talent into the NHS is ever more important and the Live & Work NHS Apprenticeship Programme has been very instrumental in the development and recruitment of young people despite the challenges.”