THE newest addition to Stretford Mall isn’t a retailer or restaurant, but an initiative from Trafford Council that plays a vital role in giving those looking to get back into work a helping hand.

The Work Company has two programmes to support Trafford residents.

THE first is Working Well, which provides a personalised programme of guidance, via a network of trained key workers, to help participants get back to work.

The second, Skills for Employment, helps them gain skills, qualifications, and work experience, and the doors to its newest office are now open - right in the heart of the Stretford community.

From help building confidence, a good CV and developing and honing interview techniques, to money and debt advice, combined with mental health and wellbeing support, the team offer a number of vital services and training all under one roof.

“I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to give such an important organisation a home at Stretford Mall,” said centre manager Gareth Wilkins.

“There are so many great things that the team at The Work Company can do and already we’ve seen the impact that it can have on those that use and make the most of their services.”

Prior to The Work Company, a training centre for St John’s Ambulance was based in the balcony unit. After the charity vacated, Gareth said he wanted to ensure that the space was continued to be used for supporting the wider area.

“As a key part of the Stretford community, it was vital to everyone in the management team at the centre that the space The Work Company now occupy, was kept as a location that helped those that who would benefit the most from the expertise provided.

“Whether that be a charity or, as it is now, a vital service - we wanted to make sure the unit was put to good use and I’m thrilled that we have The Work Company in Stretford Mall.”

Alongside one to one appointments, group sessions are also run by the team and operations manager Grace Watson said everyone at the organisation was pleased to have a home in the centre.

“We see a range of people that are looking to get back into work for a variety of reasons,” said Grace. “With its location and the sheer number of people that use the centre, Stretford Mall is a great place for us to be.

“It allows us to have a base that we can use as a focal point for the community and although we’ve only been in the centre for a short period, we’ve found that people that might not necessarily know about us do so now - because they’ve been in the mall and seen us.

“We’re always happy to talk to those that think we could be of help. Each individual has different needs and we give them the tools that they’ll be able to use on their journey back into employment.”

The Work Company is now open at Stretford Mall and provides a helping hand for those looking to find routes back into work. If you’re interested in knowing more, drop in to the centre, doors are open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.