Unit 18 - Learning & Training  Unit 18 is our recycling facility which generates significant tonnage of Steel and Non-ferrous scrap. Durham County Council are giving an increasing amount of recycling credits for the materials which we can reuse and recycle, so reducing landfil and helpingh the environment. As a charity, one of our main aims is that we are passionate about providing work based learning & skills. Part of our work is to help people who have been unemployed due to illness (mental or physical) as well as ex-offenders and those who, for various reasons, have been long term unemployed, to return to employment by giving them work experience and the chance to learn new skills in a friendly non-judgemental environment. Working in partnership with Claire Todd, Learning Coordinator across South and West Durham. County Durham Furniture Help Scheme (CDFHS) was successful in securing Working Neighbourhood Funding (WNF) from the Personal Skills Training (Employability) Fund. The funding proved very successful in enabling CDFHS to provide specific training including CV preparation, interview techniques etc for eligible clients allowing them to apply for jobs in sectors where there were employment opportunities. We are proud that we have seen a wide spread of positive job outcomes including driving, warehousing and customer service roles, self employment and one client joined the Army. Claire Todd said "CDFHS has provided an excellent service and recognised the importance of being able to deliver effective training quickly, enabling clients to access employment opportunities" We see these services as pieces in a jigsaw, with CDFHS very much at the centre. From experience, we know that trainees who have been through our programme have a marked improvement in their employability and their skills and attitude to work are valued by employers. For further information, please contact Steve.Mitton@CDFHS.co.uk