Genesis Community, part of Genesis Housing Group, held a second free job fair for local people at St Paul's Church Hall, Stoke Newington High Road, N16. Over 90 people attended the event on 24 April.

The event, which was organised in partnership with Pathmeads (also part of Genesis Housing Group) and with Hackney Council, aimed to help jobless people in the area become 'job ready'.

Over 70% of those who attended registered for 'Ways into Work' - a free, local service that offers a full range of employment advice and support to Hackney residents.

'Ways into Work' is run by Hackney Council and its partners. Participants in the programme learn how to promote themselves at an interview, and are given in-work support to help them build their careers.

Through Genesis and its partners (including nine other RSLs), the 'Ways into Work' programme has helped more than 500 people get back into work since the programme began in June 2008. Over 3,000 people have taken part in the programme.

Job vacancies were advertised at the event, and participants attended CV-writing and job preparation workshops organised by Genesis' human resources team. Advice on banking and benefits was also on offer from Hackney's Housing Benefits Service.

The Job Fair was promoted through text messages, newsletters and mail-outs, as well as through street outreach on the day.

Genesis Community looks forward to organising a third Job Fair in June. In the meantime, residents can drop into the weekly surgeries at St Paul's Church Hall every Friday from 10-12pm.

A local resident who attended the event said, "Would definitely attend again and inform friends." Fiona Cunningham, an unemployed Hackney resident who attended the Genesis Community job fair said "I found this event very useful, because I met other people like myself who are unemployed and find it hard to get work. I also appreciated the support and efforts from those who helped me that day."

Iain Mackechnie-Jarvis, Head of Genesis Community, said "Genesis is committed to helping out-of-work people in Hackney to find employment. These events show that by working so successfully with our partners, we are making a positive difference. We are pleased to say we are already planning another one in June."

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Photo caption: Talent staff (a 'Ways into Work' partner) signing up Hackney residents

For further information about Ways into Work, contact Genesis Community on: 020 8900 4781

For further information about Genesis Housing Group, contact Diana Evans on 020 8150 4178; diana.evans@ghg.org.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS

Genesis Housing Group provides homes and services to tens of thousands of people across London and the south east. The Group consists of PCHA, Pathmeads and Springboard housing associations. It also has a charitable foundation, Genesis Community, and is one of the largest and most diverse housing groups in the UK. Genesis Housing Group owns and/or manages more than 38,000 homes across London and the south east. Its overiding aim is to put customers first and provide excellent service to all.

Genesis Community was set up in 2005 by Genesis Housing Group. It is a charitable foundation created to fulfil Genesis Housing Group's commitments to address the challenges of deprivation and social exclusion in disadvantaged areas. Projects delivered by Genesis Community focus on the key themes of young people, vulnerable and elderly people, safer communities, financial inclusion and training and employment.

Hackney Works has placed over 500 people into employment and engaged with over 3000 residents. The scheme assists unemployed people into work by providing access to a menu of services, including one-to-one support and guidance, skills development, work trials, in-work support, support with travel and childcare costs.