Martina Blake, Employment Adviser for Derwentside Employment Team helps support people with health conditions and disabilities get back to work. She partners with the Green Corridor, providing a drop in service at their premises every Wednesday.
51-61 Lenin Terrace is the place to go if someone wants to benefit from Martina’s 8 years of experience helping well over 100 people change their lives and get back to work.
A first encounter would probably involve a cup of tea or coffee and a really informal chat. Martina said “I usually try to find out what someone needs, the help they want, and what their career aspirations are” She added “It’s not an interview, it’s about establishing trust and rapport, and really getting to know the person”.
Martina has already helped over 20 people find work in the Derwentside District alone, she is helping others take small steps in the right direction at a pace that is comfortable for them. “The support I give is tailored towards the individual to address all the barriers, and find a way through for someone. For me, the person isn’t just a statistic or a claimant, but someone with needs like all of us”
The benefits of having a drop in facility at the Green Corridor is the relaxed atmosphere, and access to modern facilities.
The Green Corridor Neighbourhood Partnership is based in South Stanley includes the communities of Craghead, South Stanley, South Moor, Quaking Houses and New Kyo.
Joan Graham, from the Green Corridor said “It is a partnership of local people and local agencies such as the Police Service, Derwentside District Council, Co Durham Primary Care Trust and Durham County Council. We are very pleased to welcome Derwentside Employment Team into our offices and look forward to working with them in helping people back into work”
She added “The Green Corridor see it as extremely important that the Derwentside Employement Team are offering their services from our venue, making sure that residents can benefit from their support in a friendly and accessible venue. This builds on the strong foundations of partnership working between the Green Corridor. JobCentrePlus and Derwentside District Council.”