Manchester Mustard Tree low income programmes

Mustard Tree is a non-profit profit organisation that provides assistance to low income and struggling families in Manchester. The focus of the agency is on employment and job training, but help may be available in the form of food, clothing, and free advice to clients. Clients need to have a referral, and they work closely with other agencies as well.

In order to benefit from their services, clients need referrals from Housing Associations, the Probation Service, Manchester City Council, or NHS. So Mustard Tree will not help individuals on a walk in basis. However they offer various support services.

Employment and job training programmes from Mustard Tree

There are several different resources available to Manchester individuals. All are focused on helping people gain skills and work experience.

Freedom Project is for those with barriers, such as unemployment, mental health issues, a criminal record, or homelessness. They may be able to participate for up to 20 weeks, and can gain work skills in activities such as facilities management, warehousing & deliveries, or customer services.

Not only can clients gain work experience in the greater Manchester area, but they can gain the benefit from other services. This may include mentoring as well as professional counselling. Case workers also coordinate work placements with local businesses as well as the Ready for Work club.

Staff from the Freedom Project work with participants. They can help them grow in confidence. Tools used by caseworkers include an up-to-date CV, references, and much more. The goal is employment.

Another option is the Manchester Mustard Dignity Project. This does many of the same things as the programme above, but clients can receive and work up to at most 40 hours per week at a local company. This is offered as they may have a longer journey to employment, and the extra time allows clients to acquire more skills. Other services include healthy living classes, education, employment, job training, and the creation of support networks.

Mustard Tree and Business in the Community work together on the Ready for Work Club. It is a weekly sessions that clients can gain access to self-help resources that cover interview techniques, CV writing, interview techniques, and completing on-line application forms.

The work club also creates a space for job hunters to meet with others looking for employment. It will allow people to build to share experiences as well as gain new contacts. The club also provides free access to computers for job hunting or improving IT skills. Mentors from locations across Manchester also help clients of the Ready for Work Club.

Employment opportunities are also available as part of StandFirm. Using a contract in place with Northwards Housing, clients are able to be placed into work and gain skills. Individuals will be placed with the employer for needed work experience.

Charity Shops are available for the Manchester community and are located in both Eccles and Ancoats. They will have household goods, furniture, or clothes. While some items are new, most of it is pre-loved. Everyone is treated with dignity that stops by a shop.

The ESOL Course is for people who want to improve their spoken and who are currently speakers of other languages. All clients need to want to improve their English language skills. There will be a lunch supplied during the classes, which take place twice per week.

Ancoats Soup Run are held on Friday nights. Guests can get a free hot meal. It is for the homeless, people who live temporary accommodation, or that are low income. Participants often get warm clothes and blankets too, especially during the winter. Often as part of this service, the family on a low income will be given a free parcel of food. This depends on donation levels. But the volunteers at Mustard Tree collect surplus items from stores such as Aldi so that they can provide this food to residents.

Many advisers from other organisations are also on site, and can provide support or information on government benefits, including for housing or food bank. There may also be Christmas meals served at the Mustard Tree.

Mustard Tree can help individuals from the community. The office is at First Floor, 110 Oldham Road, Ancoats, Manchester M4 6AG. Call 0161 228 7331 for information on their services.