Funding boost helps Salford charity empower more people into work

A Salford Charity has been awarded £1,200 from our Springboard Community Fund to expand its support for people looking to get back into employment through their Re-Work project.

Founded in 2017, the Audacious Foundation exists to serve the community by providing practical solutions to the challenges faced by some of the most vulnerable people in Salford. Its vision is to see communities impacted, lives transformed and generations empowered.

Funding from our Springboard project went towards helping them deliver their Re-Work project, a practical employability programme designed to equip people with the skills, confidence and knowledge they need to secure employment or take a new direction in their careers.

Open to anyone, Re-Work combines online learning with face-to-face workshops, making it accessible while also giving participants the opportunity to learn in person. The funding has enabled the charity to expand its in-person offer, helping to cover volunteer expenses, workshop costs and learning materials throughout the year.

The project supports around 100 people from across Salford every year, with 75% of participants reporting they are in employment within three months of completing the programme.

Luke Sharp, Audacious Foundation’s Program Director says: “Thanks to the funding from Salix Homes we are able to get the enhanced, in-person programme off the ground, enabling us to reach more people and continue supporting Salford residents on their journey towards employment and long-term independence.”

A participant of the Rework programme said: Working with Re-work programme has truly changed the way I see myself professionally. I was looking for support to improve my job prospects, but I gained so much more than that. I gained the confidence, courage and boldness to believe I genuinely have what it takes.”

Originally established to support people experiencing homelessness into accommodation, the charity now provides a wide range of services including a permanent community grocery, food support, an English language club and regular community drop-in sessions. By offering a range of services under one roof, the charity helps people find a pathway through difficult stages of life, whatever their starting point.

Salix Homes’ Director of Communities, Warren Carlon added: “The Springboard Community Fund is our way of providing a boost to valuable projects that benefit our communities. The Audacious Foundation’s Re-Work project provides a vital service, allowing participants to gain practical job-seeking skills, interview preparation, CV advice and guidance on today’s recruitment processes, setting them up for future success.”

To find out more about Audacious Foundation, visit their website.

For more information and to apply for a Springboard grant, visit our Springboard Community Fund pages.