FST Lambeth
Location: Brixton, London
- About the project
- Business Services
- Work Experience
- Training Centre
- Length of Programme
- Benefits of an FST Employment Programme
- Referrals
- Our funders
- Contact us
About the project
First Step Trust has closed its offices in Brixton Hill. However we are still taking referrals for placements on our Lambeth gardening team and in our restaurant and outside caterers, Abbevilles.
Placements in our office administration team will not be available until we open our new premises later on this year.
If you have any queries regarding new referrals or people you have referred to FST Lambeth, please call Warren Cox on 020 8678 9364 or 020 8301 2855.
FST Lambeth provides employment and training opportunities for people with mental health problems or other disadvantages many of whom have often been out of work for a number of years. We aim to improve an individual’s employability by providing them with a flexible package of support including work experience, training, qualifications and support in finding a job.
The project operates both as a small business or social enterprise which trades with the local community and a training centre. People sign up as workforce members and get involved in running the business and sharing in its success. They also have access to work-based training and one to one employment support including personal development plans, job matching, CV and application writing and interview preparation.
Business services
We provide the following services to private, public and corporate clients:
• Painting and decorating.
• Gardening and grounds maintenance.
• Minor works (building maintenance and repair).
• Light removal service (local office, small domestic moves, portering and
clinical waste collection services).
• Catering (including outside catering for events and conferences as well as our own restaurant in Clapham).
Work experience
FST Lambeth provides experience in the following sectors:
- Painting and decorating.
- Gardening and grounds maintenance.
- Facilities maintenance and cleaning.
- Catering.
- Office administration / clerical work.
Training Centre
FST Lambeth runs in-house training in a range of core qualifications:
• Literacy and numeracy
• ICT
• Catering
• Motor vehicle repair and maintenance
• Business administration
• Customer care
• Health and safety
When someone starts at FST they are given a work needs assessment to identify what training they need to improve their employability. Where necessary we can arrange additional work-related training.
Length of Programme
Depending on the level of support someone needs they can choose from a three to a 12 month work programme. When ready, people are supported to move on to paid employment through help with the job application process including job search, CV writing and interview techniques.
Benefits of an FST employment programme
• Increase confidence and self-esteem.
• Develop positive attitude towards work.
• ‘On the job’ training.
• Develop skills that employers want.
• Gain nationally-recognised work-based qualifications.
• Learn to cope with the pressures of work.
• Build up a work history.
• Get an employer’s reference.
• Get one to one support in finding paid employment.
What also attracts people to FST Lambeth is that they become a respected member of a team working alongside friendly colleagues who have experienced similar issues.
What I got out of FST Lambeth
“Coming to FST has helped me get my motivation back. I like getting out of the house and I’ve never had friends like this.” Phil, Workforce member
“I’ve found FST very supportive. In terms of work, it’s helped me find the direction I want to go in. It’s very satisfying putting qualifications into practice.” Janet, Workforce member
Referrals
People must be 18 or over and a resident of Lambeth and eligible for specialist mental health services. Typical referral routes are from a GP, a community mental health team, an employment service or other provider. Someone can refer themselves directly but they must have a named mental health support professional whom FST can approach for a reference.
Why I refer people to FST Lambeth?
“I have found the service that FST provides to be a real resource for people approaching voluntary and paid work for the first time. This is a testament to the positive working relationships that FST has built up with local employers, as well as the enthusiasm that FST brings to the therapeutic potential of work for individuals in developing a meaningful focus and a sense of routine.”
Lucas Teague, Metropolitan Housing Trust
Our funders
FST Lambeth would like to thank Lambeth Primary Care Trust and London Borough of Lambeth for their continuing and generous support
Contact us
First Step Trust has closed its offices in Brixton Hill. However we are still taking referrals for placements on our Lambeth gardening team and in our restaurant and outside caterers, Abbevilles.
Placements in our office administration team will not be available until we open our new premises later on this year.
If you have any queries regarding new referrals or people you have referred to FST Lambeth, please call Warren Cox on 020 8678 9364 or 020 8301 2855.
FST Lambeth
Email: Please use our enquiry form