Following the highly successful project, ENVIZ, run by St Vincent’s Housing Association and Stepping Stone, a new Toolkit is being rolled out to housing providers across the country. The free Toolkit was launched by David Orr, Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation. Leaders from Housing Associations and Councils across the region attended the launch at Manchester’s prestigious Royal Exchange Theatre. Working alongside Stepping Stone, Tipp and Clear Aims, St Vincent’s ENVIZ project enables participants to break through the barriers they have experienced because of their acute support needs, and access education, training and jobs. The ENVIZ project engages with some of the most overlooked members of the community. The group attended workshops over a period of 5 months, where they learnt new skills through applied theatre techniques. The massive boost in confidence and self-worth has helped many participants to go on and apply for college courses and volunteering, secure employment and to just generally get on with every day life – something most people take for granted. David Orr, Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation, said of the project “Enviz is a fantastic initiative which releases the potential in people whose lives have been blighted. Engaging people in learning and tackling worklessness in such an innovative and creative way really does transform lives. The Enviz Toolkit will allow other organisations to use a similar approach helping many more people throughout the country“. A number of the ENVIZ participants on the project have gone on to stage their own production, Once in a Lifetime, at the Royal Exchange Theatre, a massive undertaking for this very brave group of people. |
