Following an introduction made by the Labour Party MP for East Ham, The Rt Hon Sir Stephen Timms, MERKUR Community has linked-up with the East London-based Renewal Programme helping it to deliver its training and education program.
Serving as a vital community hub the Renewal Programme provides support for young carers, English lessons for speakers of other languages, housing assistance, youth programmes, and warm meal provision.
Following the introduction by The Rt Hon Sir Stephen Timms, MERKUR answered a request to purchase six new laptops and an interactive smartboard.
Having visited the Renewal Programme, MERKUR’s Tony Boulton said: “It was a privilege to meet Renewal Pogramme CEO Peter Laing and Louise Vera, Director of Training and Youth who spent valuable time introducing me to the huge range of initiatives that it delivers.
“In some circumstances qualifications gained in different countries may not be recognised in the UK and the programme focuses on getting people from all cultures through education and equipping them with the qualifications they need to work.”
He added: “Whilst the charity does receive funding from the National Lottery that money can take up to six months to come through. By contrast we are able to work to much tighter timelines helping the Renewal Programme team to deliver such positive impact to people in the borough.
“It was impossible not to be impressed by what I experienced visiting the Programme and I am delighted that we are able to extend our support through 2025.”