Hi everyone ☺. So many many thanks! I learn more lots staff i learn about waiter and kitchen. You are the best Sarah and everyone from this group. Is one of experience in my life. Is the first time when I have something like this. Thank you for this experience in the restaurant. Is incredible !!!. I like very much. Anon

I would like to show my appreciation and gratefulness for the great charitable work Only A Pavement Away is providing for people like me, who were homeless or in precarious living conditions. I am based in south east London and I am a kitchen porter/commis chef. Only A Pavement Away helped me to get a job in a prestigious organisation. They supported me financially during the 2nd and 3rd lockdown, and also with my accommodation issues. They have been a great help to me and easy to get in touch with. They are for me who’s a lay preacher for good Samaritans which deserve better public recognitions like the Quakers, Salvation Army or the NHS. Honestly, without Only A Pavement Away, I could have gone into mental depression and despairs. God bless you Dolores and the team at Only A Pavement Away. You’re the answer to my prayers. It was truly amazing to find out that, in those stressful times we’re going through, Only A Pavement Away works and deeds for the homeless.

Anon

Hels was a participant on The House of St Barnabas 15th Employment Preparation Programme and graduated in the summer of 2019. Hels had been an army nurse but found herself sofa surfing when she returned to the UK after having lived in Spain. In her 60s when she joined our Employment Preparation Programme, Hels felt that her age was a huge barrier to finding and keeping work. Whilst on the programme, Hels completed her work experience in our facilities team, and started to gain confidence and purpose. Whilst on the programme she also completed her City & Guilds Award in Business Administration.

Before lock down began, Hels had been working at The Wolseley as part of its front of house team – a role that had been advertised by Only A Pavement Away UK. Following a successful trial shift, Hels secured the job. She became the first female door person on Piccadilly (a title she is, rightly, very proud of!) and a highly valued and respected member of the team.

When lock down started Hels was placed on furlough. Her pay was topped up to 100% via the Pay Gap Fund grant from Only A Pavement Away but losing the structure and purpose of working life was really tough. During lock down, the Employment Academy team set up weekly calls, and kept in regular touch to offer emotional support and practical guidance around coronavirus. With lock down starting to ease, Hels was invited back to work. She had her first shift back on the door at The Wolseley on Saturday night, and couldn’t be happier about it. So happy, in fact, that her smile caught the eye of this Times food critic!

More information about the Employment Academy

Helen

I have been employed in Gauchos for 9 months now and it has been a pleasure to work there. I am learning new skills everyday with support of the team and the new head chef. They make workplace more enjoyable and friendly. At work I have learnt the importance of teamwork and patience when it comes to details and struggles.

Being newly employed by the start of the pandemic has put a lot uncertainty about the future and I was anxious as to whether I would still be employed at the end of lockdown. However, I was shocked to receive not just constant updates from the company and help to cope with difficulties during lockdown, but also help off Only a Pavement Away, receiving extra payments which supported me financially through the pandemic. I was constantly updated and informed by Izzy and she kindly replied to any questions I had. Although lockdown was difficult and had a lot uncertainties, both the Gaucho’s and Only a Pavement Away ensured me that everything will be ok and it is clear they care about their employees/members.

Many thanks to Only a Pavement Away and everyone at Gauchos, Charlotte Street.

Mohammed

I had been working at a Fullers Pub for the past 6 months as a Commis chef, my dream job I had secured via OAPA. However, due to Coronavirus I was placed on furlough in March 2020, OAPA kindly topped up my pay with the missing 20%, this was a huge financial relief for me, as it meant I was able to continue paying my rent and bills on time, which is really important. From mid-July I have started back at Fullers on reduced hours, I am feeling very grateful indeed, if I didn’t have OAPA I would be in a lot of debt and trouble.

Blossom

I am very happy with this fridge, it’s quite spacious and able to store weeks worth of food. I am very impressed with the work of Only A Pavement Away in helping me get the fridge. Thank you.

Marie

Thank you so much to Only a Pavement Away, I really appreciate the rent payment, it has helped me so much – you guys have been amazing, as well as Pub Love. I cannot wait to go back to work for Pub Love, I thank them so much for the family I have there. I got love from everyone there.

Emmanuel Team Member Pub Love

Only a Pavement Away has done a really nice thing for me giving me a donation, it will really help me get by. Between them it is Izzy and her boss Greg who are helping me through this tough time. Izzy even set me up my own email address too!

David

My support worker told me about the Only A Pavement Away charity who helps signpost anyone who is homeless into employment within the hospitality industry and encouraged me to apply for a job.

My career had been in restaurants – as a bar-tender, a sous-chef and then a chef. I was helped to prepare for an interview at The Ivy Collection and I was lucky to be accepted for a trial shift, which went well, and was offered the job. It’s what I really enjoy doing, so I was so happy to get the job.

When you go from being homeless to moving in to your new home and being given a chance to forge a new career, it’s a feeling I can’t easily describe. I am so relieved and finally feel safe and stable. I am proud and know I have accomplished something amazing.

Iulian Chef, The Ivy Collection

I met Abigail whilst I was in custody and she explain that her role was to support me into work once I was released. When the time game, she spoke to me about an organisation called Only a Pavement Away and explained who they were and how they could help me find work.

I was put forward and took part in recruitment event ran by Greene King and was consequently offered a proper interview and trial shift. I’ll be honest, I thought I was going to dislike working in a pub due to the different personalities and back grounds and how people would view me, but this is not just a pub it’s a Greene King and believe me its home for some people. My manager Denise is an absolute diamond. She knew where I came from but understand and accepted me for who I am and I couldn’t ask for anything more! I hope she knows how much respect I have for her for interviewing me and my team leaders for their persistence and patience. I now feel qualified but it does not stop there the road to success is a long one.

If I could give advice to someone going through what I have done in the past and is trying to change their future I would say you really have to want it – and work out what that IT is!

I’m doing better than I ever thought I would, I’m interacting with different people on a daily basis, more importantly I’m learning how this industry works, and I’m getting on with my life in with a consistent positive attitude.

Xavier Team Member at the Royal Oak