Making a difference to people's lives

Case study: Debbie Mathews, Chief Executive of Manor & Castle Development Trust Ltd, Sheffield

"Training really does make a difference" says Debbie Mathews, Chief Executive of Manor & Castle Development Trust Ltd. "Good quality training is key to helping people take control of their lives."

Training is just one of the regeneration programmes run by the Manor & Castle Development Trust. This unique partnership organisation was established in 1997 to work with local people to regenerate the Manor and Castle Ward in Sheffield. From housing, education and training and environment, to young people and community development, Manor & Castle Development Trust works for and with the local community to find and develop new opportunities for local people.

Working with BEST

Manor & Castle Development Trust are one of the partners working with BEST to support individuals through training and development. They are committed to delivering high quality support to people to help them find their true potential.

Debbie says: "We deliver the Key Support Worker programme with BEST helping remove barriers to employment and signposting individuals to training. In the Manor and Castle Ward communities face significant challenges: 21% of school leavers in the area leave school without meaningful qualifications and many are unable to read and write to a good standard. Through training, we enable people to aspire to achieve and find self belief. We capture people who have had a poor experience of educational institutions and reassure them that they do have the skills and knowledge to add value in society. Our aim is to help them build on those skills."

It's about more than sitting in a classroom

Manor & Castle Development Trust take a holistic approach to delivering training and development programmes. Individuals have opportunity to volunteer and gain real life experience of the work place.

A collaborative approach

Debbie and the team at Manor & Castle Development Trust are firm believers in working in partnership. "Working in partnership for me is not about what you get out of it, but rather what you can bring." says Debbie "Our relationship with BEST means we share expertise and knowledge to the benefit of our customers. We see over 200 people each year join the Key Support Worker programme. A large proportion of participants are over the age of 35. We have found that in supporting this older generation into work, we see a knock on effect: it actually helps the next generation in aspiring to achieve and find sustainable employment."

To find out more about the Key Worker Support programme, click here or contact BEST on 0113 245 8360 or email: info@best-train.com