Worker Jim becomes a star

Jim McAllan, of Wesham, is one of 15 people to be shown on We Work, which reflects how lives have been transformed by housing associations like Progress Housing Group (PHG).The film highlights how partnerships between PlaceShapers, local agencies and businesses provide people with the support they need to get into or return to work, or to start their own companies.The 55-year-old is one of the people that Progress Futures – PHG’s programme to help people learn, train and get back into work - has helped back into employment. He participated in work experience with PHG and secured a grounds maintenance role. Less than a year later, he was able to get a new job at another housing association that he absolutely loves. Jim said: “Jacky Howcutt, the Progress Futures manager based in Leyland, really listened to what I wanted to do and what had stopped me from getting back into work in the past. She put me at ease and helped me to apply for jobs.“I turned into a human being again – it was amazing.”Tammy Bradley, operations director at Progress Housing Group, said: “Jim’s story is truly inspirational. All these stories show how we build lives as well as homes. We care about our communities and play a unique role in helping them thrive. These results are possible only because we are embedded in our community, understand local issues and provide services which respond to local need.”Jim is one of almost 966 people that Progress Housing Group’s Progress Futures have helped on their journeys into work since 2010.The launch and film premiere of We Work was held at a reception during the Chartered Institute of Housing national conference in Manchester. PHG is part of PlaceShapers, a network of more than 100 community focused housing associations. PlaceShapers provides services to more than two million people and has helped more than 60,000 people find work since 2010.All the stories can be found at http://www.placeshapers/we-work and Jim’s story is on http://www.progressgroup.org.uk/jims-story/