ReSkilled

ReSkilled is a Christian charity based in Guildford that aims to reduce social isolation and restore self-esteem, choices and hope by helping individuals rediscover the fulfilment and benefits of employment.

What they do:

• use a wood workshop to boost confidence and teach general work skills
• encourage participants to engage with voluntary work partners to enter sustainable employment

Who they help:

• people from Guildford and Woking, aged 25 up to retirement age, who are still unemployed after a year
• individuals who have been homeless, made redundant, cared for someone long-term, suffered long-term health difficulties (mental or physical) or are recovering from alcohol or substance abuse

How they do it:

• ReSkilled wood workshop: a “pre-employment” opportunity to learn generic work skills and practical woodwork skills
• Products: participants create saleable items from recycled wood, sold through various outlets, including Etsy, with revenue reinvested into the project
• Confidence Building: develop participants’ confidence through the satisfaction and pride of making wood pieces and interacting with a small group

The courses:

• 7-week taster course: one day a week
• 18-week continuation: following the taster course
• Skills Taught: generic work skills, hand and machine wood skills, recorded in portfolios for future employers
• Voluntary Roles: after 25 weeks, participants are referred to the Voluntary Action Centre in Guildford or Volunteer Woking to facilitate voluntary roles

Safety and safeguarding:

• clear guidelines for Health & Safety and Safeguarding
• all staff, volunteers, and participants must adhere to these guidelines
• admissions and referrals follow procedures to ensure the widest access while prioritising safety