Volition always helps those that it comes into contact with and 2022 has been no different. At the beginning of the year the City was still very much in the grips of Covid. Greater Manchester job centres were closed to claimants and many of our partners were closed too with most company’s employees working from home and conducting meetings by Teams. Volition not only opened its doors (summer 2021) but it also expanded by creating a unique partnership with Salford Cathedral and putting Volition on the doorstep of many more Greater Manchester residents.

Volition at Salford was formally launched in March. At the event a number of Volition participants told the assembled audience how, after several years of unemployment, they had secured paid jobs with the NHS and Salford University. Volition had played a crucial part in them obtaining these important and fulfilling roles.

New opportunities were created at Volition to counter some of the feelings of isolation fostered by Covid. One of these was the photography group led by professional photographer, Karin Albinsson. The Photography group gives people the time and space to talk about themselves, their work and gets them out and about to explore the City landscape. Each week the group explores a new scene and one of the members takes the lead. The art group is also another opportunity provided by Volition that gives people the time to gain skills and grow in confidence. It was moved to Salford Cathedral and this has given the artists a lighter space and the confidence to work in another venue.

Volition was again affected by world events through 2022 as the war in Ukraine and people leaving Hong Kong brought new people to our shores. Refugees and those relocating from Hong Kong have been supported by Volition into work through gaining UK work experience and securing references. People have also been helped with information on how to find accommodation, ESOL classes and friendship. One couple were supported with an application for white goods and are now comfortable in their new home.

Throughout the year there have been some great personal achievements. Veronika, with the support of our head beekeeper, gained her Gold Duke of Edinburgh award and through so doing supported other volunteers to learn about bee keeping. one of the national marketing projects he had worked on to a delegation of JCP work coaches.

Safeena gained employment just 5 months after starting with us.

When Safeena joined Volition, she had no IT skills or admin experience. Through her voluntary role and the opportunity to practice in a meaningful environment she gained the necessary skills to become part of the Volition team as a paid member of staff.

Many more people have gained confidence through the programme and have gone on to secure paid positions in a range of roles. Others continue to volunteer with us until they are able to move on.

Throughout the year we have been supported by our partners and we would like to thank everyone’s time, generosity and input. These include Bespoke Hotels. Be-well Group, City Co, DWF, Growth Company, Just Bee Honey, LAB, Manchester Arndale, Manchester Cathedral, Manchester Libraries, Manchester Youth Zone, Property Alliance Group, Salford Foundation, Salford Loaves and Fishes, Southway Housing and Tree House Hotel.

Click here to Download the full Annual Report 2022 pdf