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Scotland
Unity Enterprise is a practical attempt by the churches to work together in response to issues of people being excluded from full participation in the life of their community. The Board of Directors consists of representatives from the Scottish Episcopal Church, Church of Scotland, Catholic Church, Evangelical Alliance and Scottish Churches Industrial Mission.
A Case History
John was referred to Unity Enterprise by the local Education Psychology Service and his guidance teacher at mainstream secondary school. He was frequently absent from his classes. The background report forwarded from school related to his attendance and no reference was made to any personal or family problems that could be behind his staying away.
He joined the Unity Enterprise project in the August and a six-week review was held with his parents and a psychologist, together with a representative from the Education Department. It was during this review that some of the details of John's childhood were presented to us by his dad. Within the family household there was John's mum (a manic depressive) and his dad who was caring for her and trying to raise John and four smaller children on the basic state benefit, so John was expected to help with the smaller kids in the house and have a part-time milk round to assist financially. His training programme, including City & Guilds awards, could not be carried through due to non-attendance and John coming in late to sessions and falling asleep midway.
It became clear to the project leader that John was only interested in one career, so talks were held with Hamilton Dairies and a proper work placement started there for three days per week, and two days with Unity Enterprise where he learnt skills and was taught Health and Safety issues. After completing this programme and leaving school, John was given full-time employment with the Dairy.
John’s story demonstrates the difficulties facing many young people today and the importance of programmes like Unity Enterprise to help individuals enter the world of work and become more fully included within their community.
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