Gilvenbank is a unique environment for staff and the community, with the purpose to promote and encourage public/community engagement through sport. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. The hub has created a workplace for young people to form solid foundations and belief in themselves. Recruiting locally, the hub is a disability confident employer and although they are not registered, they are proactive in the support they deliver.
This employer has recruited young people with barriers with support from the Fife Job Contract.
The manager at the hub is a very special person, she has supported 2 young people both facing social isolation, anxiety and various medical/health conditions.
Finlay Maguire then aged 20 facing multiple concerns relating to anxiety, trying to get work experience, and enduring low mood due to applying for jobs and only getting ignored or negative responses and being the principal carer for a disabled parent. Ross Bowman faced similar barriers. Both brought to the table a unique understanding of the uphill journey they would need to embark upon. The hub was perfect for both.
The amazing support and encouragement from the employer have seen both lads grow, realise their potential and move forward.
The hub has become a critical component within the community. The level of engagement is exceptional from employability support to within the local community and beyond. COVID created isolation, fear and a reluctance to engage. The hub opened the door and created an oasis of engagement. From groups, schools, bike ability, youth clubs, memories group for older people at risk of social isolation, dementia. Seated line-dancing for all ages – interaction across generations. Arts & Craft every week and a social group that supports 18-26year olds.
Across these groups the staff are supported and encouraged to take a proactive lead with the groups and individuals who come to the hub. It is here the hub is open and available to support tackling child poverty, multiple deprivation across the community
With staff needing additional support and where it relates to anxiety, low self-esteem and social anxiety, the hub manager comes into her own, developing a programme to support and manage the needs of her staff to allow them to progress and recognise their potential. This has been very apparent with Finlay, Ross and Cathy.
With over 800 people using and visiting the hub, the workplace and group led events, this employer has embedded positive practice for employees, volunteers and visitors. With 60% coming from the local population and 40% from across Glenrothes area.
With the support of the employer and realising their own potential. Ross now leads the football Team, supports the delivery of Bike Ability; this compliments the soft skills and personal development that has been central to increasing confidence and belief.
And he is not the only one.
Finlay Maguire suffers from severe anxiety, social anxiety along with health conditions, starting at the hub gave him a purpose, with support his confidence grew. Encouraged and beginning to
believe in himself he was supported in his application for a position in Fife Council (temp). He often popped up to the hub while looking and applying for work after the contract was not renewed. He was offered a position at Astrak and was successful. He is now part of a two-man team to support, deliver and onboard staff with a global remit. All because the employer at the hub saw the potential in both and the rewards have been superb.
‘Gilvenbank Community Sports Hub firmly believes that sport can have a profound and positive impact on communities not just by taking part in physical activities and games but creating opportunities that enabled personal growth and development through volunteering and employment.
‘The support given by Fife Job Contract enabled us to employ and support 2 young people from the immediate community who overcame various significant barriers that had previously prevented them from engaging with services and finding sustainable employment. Both young people have moved into longer term/permanent roles in their chosen fields and are doing amazingly well. We are so very proud to have been a small part of their journey and been able to watch them flourish,’ Suzanne McRoberts, manager.
If you are an employer, 3rd Sector employer or one of our Service Directorates, we can support you for recruitment, we can help promote additional jobs, Modern Apprenticeships and provide support on multiple fronts. For eligible clients there may be funding support available. If you would like more information, drop us an email at – FJC@fife.gov.uk