The Margins’ Project supports people experiencing homelessness and food insecurity. Their services include a drop-in service providing nutritious meals, hygiene facilities, and inclusive community engagement in a warm and safe space. Their Supported Training Programme offers people with experience of homelessness the opportunity to learn professional catering and front-of-house service skills.
Ethan’s Story
Ethan (*name changed) was a flight attendant for his nation’s major airline and has travelled all over the world. Since seeking asylum in the UK, he has been living in a contingency hotel in Islington. Unable to work, he missed having a purpose and interacting with customers. His confidence and wellbeing were low, and he couldn’t see much hope for the future.
Ethan began volunteering at The Margins Project’s drop-ins and has now been volunteering for over ten months. As soon as he became eligible to work in the UK, Ethan successfully applied for enrolment in Margins’ Supported Training Programme.
Unable to work, he missed having a purpose and interacting with customers. His confidence and wellbeing were low, and he couldn’t see much hope for the future.
For Ethan, the training is providing an opportunity for future progression, building on and developing his professional skills. After completing the trial period, he is now progressing onto the accredited hospitality training, preparing first-class meals for Union Chapel’s audience members prior to live events.
Since starting the programme, the course leaders have seen a positive change in Ethan’s character and outlook. He is now more smiley and jovial, and his confidence, prospects and aspirations have been boosted. As an enthusiastic football fan, he has started playing with the local asylum seekers’ team, as well as getting involve in Margins’ other creative and community engagement activities.
After completing the trial period, he is now progressing onto the accredited hospitality training, preparing first-class meals for Union Chapel’s audience members prior to live events.
We have worked closely with community groups during this time and listened to the shift in community needs, the perception of food banks, the difficulties of funding and the expertise of the grassroots organisations working in Islington. Insights from our community partners, alongside consultation with Feeding Britain, Octopus Community Network and other local experts, are shaping a shift in our approach in year three of this funding.
Since starting the programme, the course leaders have seen a positive change in Ethan’s character and outlook. He is now more smiley and jovial, and his confidence, prospects and aspirations have been boosted. As an enthusiastic football fan, he has started playing with the local asylum seekers’ team, as well as getting involve in Margins’ other creative and community engagement activities.
