Thanks to £10,000 from the Coalfields Community Investment Programme, Bilton Hall Community Trust will expand its workforce to bolster the services it offers to the South Tyneside community.
They’re recruiting a part-time volunteer coordinator who will work 20-hours per week over the next 12-months – the successful candidate will manage 40 volunteers.
The recruit will offer volunteering and placement opportunities to young people and adults to improve their experience and chances of finding work – as well as organising training, while also establishing links with schools and external agencies.
Located in Jarrow, Bilton Hall Community Trust welcomes approximately 20,000 visitors per year.
The centre comprises a multi-function main hall, a learning and play studio room, a sports hall and a café and seating area.
Joanna Tuck, Community Development Manager at Bilton Hall Community Trust, said: “The centre sits in the heart of a former coal mining community, so the health and wellbeing of the local residents and our visitors is a constant concern.
“Benefiting people of all ages, the services we offer help to create a place for people to learn, relax and engage with others that are in similar situations. It’s also about the physical and fun activities that we deliver.
“This funding will allow us to do more and to tackle unemployment, which has been an ongoing challenge for our community. Using volunteering to improve people’s skills and in turn the chances of them getting a job will having a lasting and positive impact that could be lifechanging.”
The Chairman of the Coalfield Regeneration Trust, Peter McNestry, added: “Just as organisations such as Bilton Hall Community Trust are a lifeline to coalfield communities, the Coalfields Regeneration Trust and our Coalfields Community Investment Programme is a lifeline to these organisations.
“This is why we are pleased to be in a position to show our support for the admirable work Bilton Hall Community Trust is doing. Increasing the chances of residents finding work will ultimately lead to their health and wellbeing improving, and as such create a positive impact that will benefit individuals, their friends and family.”
The Coalfields Community Investment Programme supports organisations and programmes of activity that meet with three key criteria; to address skills, employment or health and wellbeing through funding support and a free practical support service.
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