Newly weds get the perfect wedding gift money can’t buy

Ocean Estate newly weds Mr and Mrs Khan received the perfect wedding gift to set them up for the future as they both secured permanent employment, after graduating from an employment skills course run by East Thames.

Mr and Mrs Khan, who got married six months ago, signed up to the free Community Champions programme to improve their chances of getting into employment and maintaining a steady income to enable them to start a family.

Sixteen local people attended the recent course graduation where the doting couple announced that they both secured jobs in customer service and administration a few days before the course came to an end.

The Community Champions programme is designed to tackle unemployment and equip people with skills and knowledge to bring about positive changes in their community. People can join the programme to build their skills, gain an accreditation and get involved in their community. The course workshops cover skills in: IT, team building, communication and confidence in work situations such as interviews and public speaking.

Mr and Mrs Khan said: “We got married six months ago and we wanted to start out fresh as we build our life together. Employment is extremely important and a main factor if we want to build a family. Coming on this course has allowed us to not only get in to work but build our confidence and communication skills.

We’re happy to say that it’s helped us learn more about the different cultures within our community and as a bonus we’ve also gained some friends for life. I wish everyone all the success in the future.”

The next Community Champions starts Tuesday February 21st Feb 2012 and runs over three days a week, for six weeks.

East Thames programme coordinator Sue Withers said: ‘‘Community Champions has been going strong for two years now and I’m proud of what has been achieved so far. The support this course offers has helped our participants get into employment and further education. I look forward to welcoming local residents for our next programme run.”

To register or for more information contact Sue Withers - phone 07946 814 627 or email susan.withers@east-thames.co.uk