Celebrating Jobs First at the British Parking Awards

Sharing success

We’re excited to celebrate a win at the recent British Parking Awards, where our partnership with Marston Holdings (MHL), Edinburgh City Council and Westminster City councils won the Parking in the Community Award. This recognition highlights the life-changing work of our Jobs First programme, which helps people affected by homelessness find meaningful employment. The award acknowledges how partnerships like the one with MHL’s NSL can support individuals to rebuild their lives through work.

“I’m delighted the team has been recognised for the incredible work they do and the massive difference they’re making to streets and communities across the city”, said Gavin Brown, Head of Network Management and Enforcement at Edinburgh City Council.

“The Parking in the Community Award really highlights our commitment to making a difference and has helped vulnerable people re-enter the workforce and start a career with NSL and the Council.”

 

A partnership with purpose

For the past two years, Social Bite and MHL’s NSL have worked together to support people out of homelessness and into stable jobs. MHL’s HR and Payroll Manager in Edinburgh, Vanessa Bartie, and Paolo Orezzi, Service Director in Westminster, London, were keen to team up with Social Bite and Jobs First in response to the growing visibility of homelessness in their cities.

MHL has been fully committed to the programme, training managers to better support employees. Their compassion and dedication have been key to the success of the project.

Emma Colgan-Blair, Social Bite’s Jobs First Programme Coordinator, explained, “Social Bite and MHL have been partnering on the Jobs First Programme for two years. The journey began with MHL in Scotland as MHL shared Social Bite’s ethos and values of supporting people who have experienced homelessness into work.”

 

Transforming lives through work

Homelessness impacts every part of a person’s life, from their mental health to their confidence and ability to participate in society. Employment offers a path to recovery and dignity. For many of the people we’ve supported, finding work has been a turning point.

David, one of our Jobs First participants, reflected, “being homeless doesn’t allow you to build confidence on your own. You need someone to talk to, and this is where Social Bite has supported me.”

Our partnership with NSL has already helped 12 people gain employment, and five are currently working in active roles. Many have experienced positive changes in their personal lives and wellbeing.

Patrick, pictured above, work with NSL through Jobs First. He shared how the programme has changed his life. “After gaining employment through Social Bite, it has really changed my life for the better. I am able to support and look after my teenage daughter now. The empathy and understanding they work with is also very refreshing.”

The stories of Jobs First employees are a powerful reminder of the impact employment can have on someone’s life. Work is about more than earning a wage – it restores hope and provides a sense of purpose.

 

Supporting communities

Jobs First doesn’t just change the lives of the people who find work, it can also benefit the wider community. MHL’s parking teams have seen how hiring people through the Jobs First progamme has brought new perspectives and skills to their teams. Through their work with Social Bite, they have also learned how they can contribute to reducing homelessness in their communities.

Ambreen Kazim, Jobs First Development and Support Worker, explained, “Homelessness has a devastatingly adverse impact on the lives of people who experience it. Social Bite provides the support required for people affected by homelessness to become work-ready, creating a framework for personal growth leading to a more positive mindset.”

 

Looking ahead

Social Bite is proud of what we’ve achieved with MHL, Edinburgh City Council and Westminster City Council. We’re all excited for the future. The progress we’ve made together shows the power of collaboration.

Emma summed up the ongoing success of the programme. “We have seen employees continue to thrive with MHL. Some have received promotions, others have become financially stable, and many have begun to build the lives they want for themselves.”

The Parking in the Community award is a great acknowledgment of the work that’s been done through the partnership, but there’s much more to come. We look forward to growing our partnerships, helping more people get back into work, and making a lasting difference in their lives.