Our Jobs Plus project in Toxteth is a vital community hub based in our Irene Milson Resource Centre.
It has been there for nearly two years, and as demand increased for the high-quality, person-centred employment support it provides, we were running out of space! The venue was operating at full capacity, with limited private areas available for confidential discussions.
Now, thanks to our partner contractors Travis Perkins Managed Services and Heron Constructive Solutions, we have created a new safe, warm, confidential space for customers in the form of an independent garden pod behind the main building.
The results are all thanks to our brilliant social value partnerships, and the commitments made by the organisations we work with.
For this project, Travis Perkins Managed Services Social Value programme secured a high-quality outdoor pod at a significant discount. Not only that, but they co-ordinated delivery, donated external sealant and internal flooring, and completed the external finishing so the structure was weatherproof and ready for use. This contribution was worth more than £8000, requiring more than 20 hours of volunteer time!
Heron Constructive Solutions generously offered to project manage the installation of the pod, providing skilled trades and labour to a high standard. Their work had a value of nearly £4000, and more than 100 volunteer hours.
Plus Dane’s own internal Electrical team completed the job, so that the pod is fully functional, heated, and suitable for year-round use.
All this has had an immediate and meaningful impact on service delivery, allowing more customers to be supported each week, reducing waiting times, and increasing access to employment and skills support.
The space will become an integral part of outdoor and seasonal activities in the spring, supporting wellbeing initiatives, workshops and one-to-one coaching in a more flexible environment.
Jade Morris, strategic partnerships manager at Plus Dane, said: “This project demonstrates the power of partnership working and social value in action. We are thrilled with these amazing results and grateful to everyone involved in giving their time, resources and expertise to make it happen.”
