St Peter and St James Hospice is helping kickstart determined people’s careers

St Peter & St James Hospice has welcomed the first five of 15 people it is looking for to take up work placement roles as part of the government’s Kickstarter Job Placement Scheme.
St Peter and St James Hospice SUS-210525-154639001St Peter and St James Hospice SUS-210525-154639001
St Peter and St James Hospice SUS-210525-154639001

The programme funds new jobs for 16-24 year-olds on Universal Credit.

Shama Kika, who lives in Hassocks, said: “I’m really interested in the experience of working within a charity, so applying for a role at St Peter & St James was an appealing choice for me.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I noticed that there were lots of little bits that made up this role I’m now doing, making my decision to apply even easier.

“I’m interested in learning about all aspects of how a charity works on a day-to-day basis, and working within St Peter & St James has given me that opportunity.

“I’m so happy with my decision, everyone has been so kind, and even in the short time I’ve been here,

I have already been able to learn about areas outside of my role, which has been really exciting.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Up to ten retail Kickstarters, five of which have already been successful and in placement, will be working in the new warehouse in Hurstpierpoint handling donations and products.

They will be working to increase online selling through eBay, Depop and other online marketplaces whilst also helping build the hospice’s online retail presence through social media.

Emily Cronin, St Peter & St James head of trading, said: “As a result of the pandemic, we know the challenges young people face to gain meaningful employment at the start of their career paths.

“St Peter & St James are excited to play our part by backing the Kickstart scheme with exciting job placements within our online team.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Successful applicants will join for six months, working in retail, communications, data and administration.

St Peter & St James is now recruiting communications, data and administration Kickstarters who will help deliver the communications and data strategy, be mentored and coached, and learn about other aspects of the hospice.

St Peter & St James are now on the lookout to recruit their Communications, Data and Administration Kickstarters who will be working within the hospice in North Chailey and help deliver the communications and data strategy.

Data, social media, website, external and internal communications Kickstarters will be mentored and coached in helping to deliver the hospice’s ambitious plans.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

During their time, the Kickstarters will learn about other aspects of St Peter & St James Hospice, which will support them to apply for permanent positions, where available, across the hospice or elsewhere once their six-month placement comes to an end.

Jenny King, Kickstart’s employer advisor, said: “Working collaboratively with St Peters and St James Hospice has enabled us to quickly place young people into exciting roles including online retail assistants, opening up career paths and enhancing employability skills.

“As part of the St Peter & St James Hospice team, these young people will contribute towards their wider mission.

For more information about the Kickstart Job Placement Scheme, contact [email protected].