Employment and finance initiative is changing lives in South Liverpool

Residents in South Liverpool are benefiting from an employability and finance initiative co-funded by the Fusion21 Foundation and Torus Foundation – a charitable part of the Torus Group, the North West’s largest affordable homes provider.

Having already helped more than 220 people, the Torus Foundation’s ‘Future Focus Project’ is supporting those living in Torus’ South Liverpool community where English is not their first language.

The programme based at the Firefit Youth and Community Hub in Toxteth, helps people build their employability skills and find work, improve their health and wellbeing, and get access to money advice. Residents are also helped to develop their language skills by accessing English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses.

Support is provided directly from the Torus Foundation or signposted to other local organisations working closely with the Foundation.

Key highlights so far include:

• 57 individuals have found work
• 76 participants enrolled in skills training
• 44 residents received money and fuel advice
• 165 ethnic minority residents have benefitted from the programme

Jo Hannan, Head of Fusion21 Foundation said: “The Fusion21 Foundation is passionate about funding practical solutions that make positive differences in people’s lives. We’re proud to have contributed more than £56,000 to this project on behalf of Fusion21 member Torus, which is instrumental in supporting the Torus Foundation to engage with their communities.

“This initiative has resonated with our funding priorities of employment and skills, health and wellbeing, and financial inclusion. We’re delighted with the outcomes already achieved and look forward to watching the project deliver more in its second year.”

Participant, Remi, has been attending regular Future Focus sessions, where the team has been helping to highlight his skills and experience ready for his next employment opportunity.

Remi comments: “Torus Foundation is providing a brilliant service, giving plenty of options for people like me who are looking for work.”

Tracey Walsh, Head of Employment and Skills at Torus Foundation, added: “We’re delighted that Future Focus has delivered successful results so far, which is just one of Torus Foundation’s initiatives delivering key support. By offering tailored guidance and practical resources, we’re helping residents gain confidence, build new skills, and secure meaningful employment.

“We’re extremely grateful to the Fusion21 Foundation, which is allowing us to make a positive, lasting difference in people's lives."

Future Focus is part of Torus Foundation’s wider programme of varied support available for those living across Torus communities in Liverpool, St Helens and Warrington. Find out more here: www.torusfoundation.org.uk