A man from Lupset has become the first ever recipient of a WDH Foundation Grant – a newly launched funding scheme to support people looking to boost their long-term employment prospects.

29-year-old Tommy Cunningham, who’s been out of work for two years, was awarded £340 so he can renew his Security Industry Authority license.

Having previously worked full-time as a security guard and temporarily as a cleaner whilst claiming Job Seekers Allowance, Tommy had been looking for employment support at a work club hosted at the St George’s Community Centre.

Julie Srivastava, a WDH Community Employment Advisor who helps run the club, told him about the grant and has been supporting him in his search to find employment. She said:

“I’m pleased WDH has been able to offer this opportunity to help Tommy back into work. It couldn’t go to a more deserving person because he really has tried hard to find work. The scheme provides people with an opportunity to get the support they need to find employment, and that’s what it should hopefully do.”

Speaking about the grant, Tommy said: “It really means a lot, and hopefully it’ll help me find work. I wasn’t able to pay for the license myself, and the job centre wasn’t able to support me, so this is great.”

The WDH Foundation Grant is available for anyone over the age of 16 who lives in a WDH property. For information on how to apply, visit: www.wdh.co.uk/WDHFoundation