Runcorn businesses, residents and housing associations joined forces as part of a national campaign to give something back to the community through volunteering. Riverside tenant Elise Simpson was especially pleased to join in Give and Gain day, having recently secured a job after signing up to our Halton Brook work club, after eight years of unemployment.

Elise joined staff from Riverside, litter picking and clearing allotments in Palace Fields and Castlefields, with the housing association’s Vanessa Shaw representing Halton’s Work Club Forum. The forum is made up of social landlords, local authority services, Business Connectors and GMB Reachout. Employment and Training Officer Vanessa said: “It’s rare that community organisations and businesses get to talk, so it was great that everyone got the chance to discuss the real challenges that people face, while getting on with cleaning up the neighbourhood.”

The Halton Work Club Forum is providing support for residents to get online, carry out job searches and get skilled in applications and interview techniques. Riverside supports job clubs across Runcorn in Halton Brook, Halton Lea Library, Murdishaw and Castlefields. Contact Vanessa Shaw on Tel: 07813 438254 for information.