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Danny Cleans Up With New Job Joy

4th November 2008

Enthusiasm and determination has paid off for a Rhyl teenager living at scheme for homeless young people in the town for he has just landed himself a new job, thanks to a pioneering community scheme at the White Rose shopping Centre.

Danny Green, aged 17, lives at Y Dyfodol, a Supported Living scheme managed by Clwyd Alyn Housing Association in the town, and he recently secured a place on an innovate two-week Work Trials scheme at the shopping centre developed by Centre Manager Richard Henderson in partnership with Vivien Edwards Life Skills Coordinator at Y Dyfodol.

Danny made such an impression that when a vacancy came up within the Centre’s cleaning team during his Work Trial, he was offered the job.

“It’s brilliant,” said Danny, “It’s my first proper job and I love it. People here are great. AT the moment I’m on the hand push cleaning machine which polishes the floors up. I love getting them shiny.”

Danny is the third person to take part in one of the Centre’s Work Trials and each have already benefited from their experiences.
“Danny was in the right place at the right time, and his enthusiasm and sense of humour meant that when a vacancy came up, he earned the right to be given a chance,” said White Rose Manager Richard Henderson.

“People who are homeless or living in a hostel face many barriers when it comes to finding work and these young people deserve a chance,” said Mr Henderson, who had himself been homeless as a young person in Edinburgh.

“When the young people first come for an interview to see if they are suitable for a work trial there are no guarantees. They have to show that they have the right attitude and are positive about the experience. Danny earned his place on the trial on his own merit and has gone on to show that right attitude can help you land a job as a result,” he added.
Danny has now been taken on 4-week rolling contract of 10 hours a  week for the first three months with the possibility of long term contract in the future.

“We really appreciate the support, not only of the White Rose Centre, but of shops within the centre, as well,” said Viv Edwards, from Dyfodol.

“When Danny first started his Work Trial, he had unfortunately broken his glasses and couldn’t afford a new pair. When Richard, the Centre Manager, noticed he took Danny down to Specsavers in the Centre and they arranged for him to have a brand new pair free of charge. There are some very special people in Rhyl who really do go out of their way to make a difference and help others,” she added.