BAM's relationship with Justlife, has gone from strength to strength. Initial meetings, were to engage local employers with the Jobclub and to support homeless people back into work.After liaising with one of BAM's subcontractors, Keith Slater, Contract Manager, Balfour Beatty Engineering Services, interviews were arranged for several service users. Leon was successful and started work on site as a General Operative 30 September 2013. Leon has since taken the opportunity, via the onsite Learning Centre, to improve his skills, and following further training has successfully gained IPAF and PASMA licences.Whilst on site at CFA, BAM is supporting local charities in various ways, and along with supporting people back into work, they have raised monies and had collections through various activities. At Christmas, monies raised from dress down days, along with items collected for Christmas goody bags, including thermal hats, gloves, socks and chocolate bars were donated to Justlife.Centre Manager, Ruth Cox said ‘It is brilliant to know that the spirit of giving is still alive at Christmas, and we are delighted that companies working in the local area want to support a Justlife. We are overwhelmed with the generosity of BAM, Laing O’Rourke and Allied Scaffolding, and their collection of items and money has ensured that every homeless and vulnerable person who visited our centre over the Christmas period received a really good gift. So many people we work with are faced with horrific circumstances and battles every day and they often receive the least in life. This Christmas, we know that we gave them the best.’Following further discussions and meetings with Ruth, onsite Occupational Nurse, Lorraine Wilson and Julie Bratt, Community Engagement Co-ordinator, BAM Construction, our Construction Manager, Mick Donoghue, confirmed that they could offer further support to Justlife, and that Lorraine would be able to visit the centre on a regular basis to offer service users advice & guidance along with hearing and eye tests.Visits have started, and a few weeks ago Lorraine spent 4 hours at the centre and managed to see up to 11 service users on the day. Some of the people just wanted to have a chat about health, whilst others were keen to have hearing and eye tests. Lorraine’s friendly, yet professional approach was a real winner, and staff and visitors at the centre were very appreciative of the support from BAM & Lorraine.Kavin, a Justlife client who met with the nurse said, "I knew that I needed glasses but just never got round to sorting it. Lorraine did the test and then referred me to an optician to have a more in-depth test and get glasses. Now I have glasses and life is not in a haze. Thanks very much."(Pic 1: Lorraine, BAM nurse with Justlife drop-in clients)(Pic 2: Kevin and Hannah, volunteer, with new glasses)
