The train operator CrossCountry has helped charity Social Bite with a contribution of £17,000 for their Jobs First programme in Edinburgh.
The funding will help around 20 people affected by homelessness to get into work with employment support. Social Bite works with employers to find opportunities for people facing homelessness find a job. This money will ensure that the programme continues until 2028. Social Bite works with 11 employer partners on this initiative and the funding will help the charity to engage with 100 other partners.
Ben Simkin, Regional Director for CrossCountry’s North East & Scotland region, said: “We are proud to support Social Bite and help provide opportunities for people affected by homelessness to find meaningful employment. It’s a privilege to be able to support the communities we serve – not just through our train services but also by investing in initiatives that create lasting change.”
A recent report from The Centre for Homelessness and Inclusion Health at the University of Edinburgh highlighted the significant economic and social benefits of the Jobs First programme, reinforcing its impact as a best-practice approach.
Marzena Farana-Sherlock, Director of Social Impact at Social Bite, said: “The generous funding from CrossCountry will allow us to continue supporting individuals affected by homelessness into jobs, which can be truly life-changing. By working closely with employers and partners, we aim to create a long-term, systemic shift in how people with a background of homelessness access and sustain employment.”
More information about Social Bite and the Jobs First programme can be found at www.social-bite.co.uk
The donation came from the company’s Customer and Communities Improvement Fund.
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