EMR supports Birmingham’s homeless youths in partnership with local charity, St Basils

EMR Birmingham, based on Duddeston Mill Trading Estate, has partnered with St Basils, a charity which supports homeless youths across Birmingham and the West Midlands.

St Basils, which supports over 5000 young people at risk of homelessness each year, offers a full range of prevention, accommodation, support and engagement services to enable young people to find permanent accommodation and develop the skills that they need to transition into independent living.

Created as part of EMR’s Young Futures Reimagined programme, an initiative to help young people across the country to build brighter futures, the partnership will see EMR Birmingham support St Basil’s employability programme. The local metal recycling site will sponsor 25 young people between the ages of 16 and 25, enabling them to obtain numeracy and literacy training, gain OCN accredited qualifications and receive the support that they need in securing employment.

EMR will also offer a referral scheme, with the support of a recruitment agency, to provide employment opportunities to the young people St Basils supports.

Nick Bayley, Operations Manager at EMR Birmingham shared his thoughts on the partnership:

“Working in Birmingham for a number of years I have seen first-hand the troubles of young people impacted by homelessness and this issue has only been heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Young people often find themselves impacted by circumstances outside of their control and need a little extra support – this is something that I know that St Basils can offer.

“Myself and the team are delighted to partner with St Basils and look forward to supporting them over the years to come in the invaluable work they do.”

Sian Dhillon of St Basils added:

“We were delighted EMR have chosen to support St Basils young people. Employability is a crucial part of tackling youth homelessness, it’s not enough to just put a roof over someone’s head. Having good, responsible businesses in our region like EMR supporting young people into employment empowers them and provides the skills and opportunities needed for independency, which is what young people tell us they want and need.”