People affected by homelessness are set to develop new skills and increase their confidence thanks to a new training programme launched by Connaught Partnerships Ltd.

Glasgow's Homelessness Network (GHN) in conjunction with Connaught Partnerships developed a DIY and decorating skills course for people from the Lodging House Mission - a day centre for people affected by homelessness.

Staff at the Mission nominated participants who would benefit most from the experience.

Connaught's on-site painters, decorators, plumbers and tilers joined forces with office and administrative staff to give clients of GHN the opportunity to attend taster workshops in plumbing, plastering, tiling as well as basic health and safety, computer training, communication and interview skills.

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Over a 12-week period, it's expected between six to eight men and women who have been affected by homelessness will attend the workshops at Connaught's Training Academy in the East End. All training is carried out by Connaught volunteers who give up four hours each week to deliver the workshops.

Mary Smith, 51, from north of Glasgow, is one of the people attending the course. After years of domestic abuse Mary became homeless when she left her violent partner. After spending a few months at the homes of family and friends, she now has her own small flat in the North of the city.

She said: "Many people in my situation are reliant on organisations like GHN to provide us with access to learning opportunities in the hope that we can resettle and get a job. Coming to the Connaught Academy has been great and it’s been great to learn something new. I really enjoy the tiling and I’m hoping to impress my daughters with my new skills."

Connaught quantity surveyor, Colin Hyslop, is a regular volunteer at the Wayside Centre and helps with their soup kitchen as well as attending weekend meetings and events.

Colin added: "Working with the clients at the Wayside Centre, we found that isolation can be a real problem for people who are homeless.

"This training is designed to provide valuable skills such as building confidence to deal with daunting situations like a job interview as well as demonstrating a willingness to learn how to keep a house in a reasonable order should they gain a tenancy."

(GK/JM)