News and Events
I've now got the chance to be the person I really want to be.
Young person, Loughborough
Donation boosts employment opportunities for ex-offenders
16 October 2007
Rainer celebrated the opening of a new state-of-the-art computing suite and the launch of an ICT training programme today, thanks to a donation from Abbey's Charitable Trust.
The £20,000 donation has allowed the charity to purchase new computing equipment - including new PCs and an interactive whiteboard - and to fund specialised IT training for three members of staff.
Rainer South Yorkshire works with people who have offended or are on the fringes of crime. By equipping learners with the skills they need to move into employment or further training, the charity helps them to build positive lives for themselves and move away from crime. A recent Social Exclusion Unit report has shown that having a stable job can cut re-offending by 30 per cent.
Rainer Senior Service Manager in Sheffield, Nic Cole, said:
"Rainer staff and students recognised some time ago that basic ICT skills are essential for getting a foothold in today's workforce, but until now we have been restricted in what we can teach because we lacked the technology and specialised knowledge required.
"This donation will make a huge difference in what we are able to teach our learners, and consequently will enable more people to move into a job or further training and away from a life of crime."
Alan Markin, Abbey Operations Manager commented while visiting the Rainer service:
"We are really pleased that we've been able to support this charity's good works of helping marginalised young people back in to further education or employment."
Ends
Notes to editors
1. For further information please contact Rainer press officer Lucy Jackson on
020 7840 5627 or 07734 022409.
2. Rainer is the national charity for under-supported young people. We have contact with more than 18,000 young people and young adults in 115 communities across the country - including those who are at risk of family breakdown, in or leaving care, caught up in the criminal justice system, homeless, or outside education, training or employment. www.raineronline.org.
3. Abbey's Charitable Trust works closely with charities and voluntary organisations, particularly in the seven areas where Abbey has a significant staff presence. In each of these areas there is an Abbey Community Partnership Group, consisting of employee committees with local voluntary sector input, who advise on making donations within their area. Donations can be given to projects that support disadvantaged people through: education and training; local regeneration projects; and financial advice. In 2006, Abbey made a total contribution of £1.9 million to the community. Since the Trust was set up in 1990, it has donated over £20 million to good causes throughout the UK. Abbey is a wholly owned subsidiary of Banco Santander Central Hispano, S.A. ("Santander") (SAN.MC, STD.N). www.aboutabbey.com
