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Shopping centre’s help for homeless is praised
Tuesday 22nd July 2008

A Shopping Centre’s scheme to support homeless young people has been highly praised by the 18 year old who was the first ‘Work Trial’ trainee to complete a placement at the White Rose Centre in Rhyl last week.

Liam Watson, aged 18, a former Rhyl High School pupil became homeless due to family difficulties just before his 16th birthday and was staying with an Aunt before he moved to live at the Y Dyfodol Project in the town on his birthday.

Y Dyfodol is a Supported Living project for homeless young people managed by Clwyd Alyn Housing Association, a member of the Pennaf Housing Group. It works with young people aged between 16 and 25 to move them towards independent living where they can access full time employment or education.

The Work Trial project has been set up by White Rose manager Richard Henderson in partnership with Vivien Edwards, Training Officer at Y Dyfodol. Motivated by memories of his own experiences of being homeless as a young person, Richard wanted to do something practical to assist vulnerable young people in the area.

“The trial has been brilliant,” said Liam, who is due to move on from Y Dyfodol this summer.
“If every workplace was like the White Rose Centre, then everyone would want to go into work every day,” said Liam, who spent his time covering many different roles within the centre, working with the maintenance, cleaning and security teams as well as within the administration office.
“Things went so well that they even let me had a go at being manager on my last morning, which was great.”
“It’s given me the chance to earn a good reference and have a work report to help me in the future.”
“Everyone has been really helpful. I feel like part of a family,” Liam added.

At the end of the two weeks White Rose Manager Richard Henderson presented Liam with a certificate and a personal organiser to help him in his studies as well as a record of work achievement and a reference.

“Liam has done very well. He has been punctual and flexible and shown real skills as a team member,” said Mr Henderson who joined with White Rose staff members and representatives of some of the centre shops to wish Liam well.
“Liam was our first Work Trial volunteer and has been a first rate ambassador for the project.” He added.

Y Dyfodol Training Officer Vivien Edwards said that Liam had shown great maturity in making the most of his time on the placement.

“Liam will soon move on from Y Dyfodol and plans to go to college in September. Unlike other young people who may have family to support them, Liam will loose housing benefit if he studies full time, so this has been an excellent way to gain confidence and work skills to support his studies in the future.”