We are privileged to help people find work

TIE team: (back row, from the left) Richard Buckley, Alison Hargreaves, Steve Hyde, Frank Evans, John Gilder. Front row: Lindsey Fenton, Val Thomas, Tony Millar and Sam Riley.

TRAINING Into Employment’s (TIE) John Gilder described the team being nominated for a Pride in Oldham award as “a real privilege”.

And he said that was also how the 13 team-members, who help Oldham people with a disability find a job, felt about the task they do.

Mr Gilder, senior employment mentor for TIE, said the nomination was a tribute to the team for its work over the past 22 years.

He said that during that time: “We have helped hundreds and hundreds of people with a disability find and maintain employment.”

The team is based at Rock Street Resource Centre, Oldham, and Mr Gilder explained: “There is a massive barrier facing people with disabilities and disadvantages, and it is getting ever more difficult in the current climate.

“For us, the job is very rewarding. Personally, when I help get someone into a job it’s like the feeling you get when you score a goal — it’s indescribable.

“For the person who gets the job, in terms of self confidence, and the fact that they are getting a wage and less dependent on benefits, it must feel like they have scored a hat-trick.”

The TIE team were nominated by the mother of a 22-year-old Oldham man who they helped into work.

She described them as committed and dedicated unsung heroes, who were second to none.

“They really were superb in helping him get a job,” said the mother, who did not want to be named.

She heralded them for their understanding and empathy in supporting people with both visible and invisible disabilities.

Mr Gilder said: “Recognition is always good, and in these difficult times for Oldham Council, this nomination is at the very least a real boost to morale for all our staff.”