Strood Community Project is an initiative of two neighbouring churches in Rochester, Kent. By working together to address local needs resources have been multiplied and the impact has been broader.

Over the last 18 months we have been particularly supporting people needing to improve their learning and skills in order to increase their employability. After basic skills and IT skills training we have then been providing further support to assist them to find work (CVs, referrals, job search training). In the first year we expected to help around 60 people. In the event we supported 200! Many have either gone into work or further training, have started volunteering or have a plan of action to improve their position in the labour market. The grant now being received from Church Urban Fund will enable us to continue this project and support even more local people, particularly those hardest to reach.

The success has been down to a number of factors: 1. This is the first initiative like this which has been delivered (on this side of the river) - a local service for local people. 2. There has been considerable latent demand. 3. We are willing to listen to whatever the client has to say and have no 'agenda' to direct them in any particular direction. 4. God's blessing has been evident on our work.

Our website is www.stroodcommunityproject.org.uk

Paul Robinson, Manager July 2008