What we offer

FST is committed to supporting people with mental health problems or other disadvantages, including drug and alcohol recovery problems or a history of offending, access work. We do this by providing people with an opportunity to learn ‘on the job’ in our own social enterprises. We also work with employers to provide effective pathways into work.

The decision to take up a work placement with FST is one of personal choice. Some people join because they want to find paid employment and see a placement with us as a means of achieving this. Others simply want to get structure back into their lives, develop their skills, contribute to their local community and through this, support and maintain their recovery and mental wellbeing. FST provides an opportunity for people to achieve their individual goals.

“I haven’t worked before but being part of FST is giving me experience of different roles like finance and admin.” Workforce member

What’s it like?

We offer up to 12 months of work experience. This gives people time to develop their confidence and stamina and build up the skills and experience they need. We provide a friendly and supportive workplace where people work alongside staff, learn to handle the pressures and responsibilities of working life and develop their potential.

Personal development

FST works with all workforce members on their own personal development this includes:

Personal Development Plan.

A work reference after 3 months of attendance.

Building / updating your CV help with job searching, application process and interviewing preparation.

“I think about myself differently now. I’ve found something I’m good at and that’s a new feeling, a buzz.” Workforce member

Work placements at Woolwich

You don’t need previous experience to get involved with FST. Your manager and colleagues are there to support you. The only thing we ask is that you want to work. Depending on which area you are working in, you could be working with a trained mechanic to service a car, parts ordering and getting estimates for customers, or handling accounts for all projects in finance.

We have placements in the following areas:

SMaRT^® garage services: motor vehicle mechanics, garage reception, parts ordering and customer service.

FST Main Office: finance, admin, marketing & promotions.

Referral criteria

Over 18
Must be a resident of Greenwich

Receiving support from a GP, Community Mental Health Team or other mental health professional, around mental health problems, drug and alcohol misuse / recovery problems or other disadvantages including offending / repeat offending.

For more information or to get involved contact

Danny Hayes Employment & Development Worker
Email: danny.hayes@firststeptrust.org.uk Telephone: 0208 8557386

Work placements in Lambeth

You don’t need previous experience to get involved with FST. Your manager and colleagues are there to support you. The only thing we ask is that you want to work. Depending on which area you are working in, you could be:

working with a trained mechanic to service a car, preparing and serving food, using power tools to trim a hedge or dealing with the project’s petty cash.

We have placements in the following areas:

Abbevilles restaurant: front of house and food preparation.

SMaRT^® garage services: motor vehicle mechanics (must be willing to travel to SMaRT^® garages Woolwich).

SMaRT Futures: basic finance, admin and marketing & promotions.

Gardening: commercial gardening and general maintenance.

Referral criteria

Over 18

Must be a resident of Lambeth

Receiving support from a GP, Community Mental Health Team or other mental health professional, around mental health problems, drug and alcohol misuse / recovery problems or other disadvantages including offending / repeat offending.

For more information or to get involved contact

Harriet Tawari Learning & Development Worker Email:harriet.tawari@firststeptrust.org.uk Telephone: 0207 4982185

Short courses & training

Our courses are open to Greenwich & Lambeth residents who have mental health problems or from disadvantaged backgrounds aged over 18.

Driving Ambition – 10-week theory course that breaks down the highway code and encourages people to learn road safety in preparation for a DVLA theory test and practical driving lessons.

Health & Safety Level 2 – accredited health & safety course. The qualification provides candidates with the basic knowledge and understanding of health & safety in the workplace.

12 Modules of Motor Mechanics – in-house course that provides the basic knowledge of motor mechanics alongside health & safety within a garage environment. This course is both practical and classroom based.

10 Steps into Employment – this is a 10-week course that is a combination of in-house courses as well as accredited courses and includes: CV Writing, Health & Safety Level 2, Customer Service, Personal Presentation, Applying for Work (application forms, cover letters and job search.)

National Hospitality Academy Courses:

Basic First Aid, COSHH, Customer Service – dealing with unhappy customers, Fire Safety, GDPR, Ladder Safety, Performing CPR, Health & Safety Level 2, Learn about Ladder Safety, Food Safety level 2, Food Allergy Awareness and Gluten Free Training

For course dates & more information contact Harriet Tawari – harriet.tawari@firststeptrust.org.uk