PERTH AND Kinross Council have thrown their weight behind a new mentoring scheme which is recruiting “buddies” who can help people into mainstream employment.

Perth and Kinross Check In Group is looking for buddies who can work with people, such as those with learning difficulties or the homeless, to help them settle into a new job.

Volunteer buddies would share confidence, skills and experience with people who need extra support and encouragement.

The Check In Group is made up of several local voluntary organisations which are committed to supporting people to find meaningful work.

Yesterday Provost John Hulbert picked the winners in a competition organised to help fund the initiative.

People were asked to guess the “birthday” of four large penguins which were displayed at various venues across the district.

The winners—Helen McGillivray from Crieff, Ian Harrold of Perth, Alice Hadden of Dunkeld and Ellie Moses from Dundee— each receive a penguin.

The competition, in conjunction with a calendar sold by the group, has raised nearly £3000 towards the cost of recruiting buddies and their training.

Dr Hulbert welcomed the scheme, which should get under way in March, and said it could be “hugely important” to the men and women seeking work.

“A buddy, who will be a trained volunteer with many years of experience at different levels in the workplace, will be assigned to a new recruit as he or she starts a new job,” he said.

“The buddy will ensure that the new recruit turns up on time, is properly dressed and presentable, and will give them encouragement, act as an advocate, intermediary and general helper.

“We hope this will assist our clients to settle into their work and lead to long-term employment.”

Liz Watson, the manager of PUSH—which is one of the partners in the Check In Group—said, “We have so many local people who are keen to work but need a bit of extra help to start them off in the workplace.

“We really hope local employers will think about providing a work opportunity, even if it is part-time, for a person who wants to prove themselves capable of employment.”

The Check In Group would like to hear from would-be buddies who can offer up to six hours a week.

They will provided with training as well as expenses.

They would also like to hear from local employers who could offer someone a few hours’ work experience.

For more information call James Alexander of the Check In Group on 01738 449227, 07521 139444 or Email info@checkin.org.uk