Nearly 100 people attended a free job fair for local residents held by Genesis Community, part of Genesis Housing Group, at The Abney Public Hall in Stoke Newington, on Tuesday 20 January 2009.

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'.

50% 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 sell themselves at an interview, and are given in-work support to help them build their careers.

Job vacancies were advertised at the event, and participants attended CV writing and job preparation workshops. Banking and benefits advice was also on offer.

Children were entertained with face painting and DVDs while other participants relaxed in the chill-out zone. Complimentary refreshments were provided and everyone who attended was automatically entered into a free raffle - there were prizes for all!

A local resident who attended the event said, "I was made to feel so welcome and the advice I was given was great. I was very down when I arrived but after talking with one of your staff I feel that my future will be good."

Sandra Phillips, Outreach and Engagement Officer from Regeneration Consultancy, Renaisi, said "Well done Genesis Community! The event was very well prepared for and I was impressed at how everyone pulled together and worked as a team. The activities, CV workshops, access to the photocopier and computers - was all excellent."

Iain Mackechnie-Jarvis, Head of Genesis Community, said "Genesis is committed to working for positive outcomes in Hackney, and this event demonstrates that. All partners worked closely together to achieve an excellent outcome on Tuesday and we are already planning the next job fair.'

- Ends -

For further information about Ways into Work, please call Genesis Community on: 020 8900 4781 /
07810 814180

For further information about Genesis, please contact

Diana Evans on 020 8150 4178 / email 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.

Renaisi has been in the business of urban regeneration for the past 10 years, working with some of the poorest neighbourhoods and communities across the country. Its employment programmes arm works with partners and to develop and deliver comprehensive skills and employment programmes that are tailored to meet the needs of individuals and communities.

Hackney Works has been running for seven years as a 'welfare to work' programme, and has placed over 400 people into employment. 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. Hackney Works is run in-house by Renaisi and is co-funded by Hackney Council via the Five Host Borough Unit City Strategy Pathfinder and the London Development Agency. Clients are all Hackney residents, and there is an emphasis on supporting parents.