This week, we at GO were thrilled to welcome BBC News into our charity. We engaged in a meaningful discussion about the various positive initiatives we undertake as a charity.
The visit showcased how our retail activities support our broader objectives and highlighted their positive impact on the community. Many might see GO simply as a retail store offering various quality upcycled and repurposed items at affordable prices— through our main shop and our dedicated Furniture shop—but there is a much deeper and more influential story behind our operations.
Michael Bougourd, our general manager, was quoted saying how we provide an important service to the community.
"The feeling of coming back into work or coming back into somewhere you haven't been in for a long time, there's an almost overpowering feeling of anxiety," he said.
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Mr Bougourd said he could see the changes within the trainees as they work with GO and start "playing a worthwhile part in society".
List of Training Zones at GO
Our charity is deeply committed to supporting individuals in our community. The BBC article delves into our mission and the programs we implement to assist people in re-entering the workforce., which are the cornerstones of our objectives as a registered charity in Guernsey. We strive to provide quality goods (created in our Furniture Creation Training Zone) and create pathways for individuals facing challenges in finding stable employment. We aim to equip our trainees with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in their professional journeys through various training programs, mentorship opportunities, and support services.
Tom English spent time at GO gaining people skills to help him land his first ever job at a local vehicle repair shop. "GO was a really good place to learn and interact with others," he said.
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Tom Batiste, who spent time at GO during work release from prison, said: "It definitely made the transition [into the world of work] a lot easier."
He now works at a local construction firm and said it was vital for ex-offenders to have the opportunity to work. Quoted from BBC News story
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"When you get out, it helps you set yourself up, and get on living because if you come out with nothing and no job, as we know a lot [of people] will reoffend," Tom said.
The coverage by BBC News illuminates our 'islanders back into the workforce' ethos and our efforts to raise awareness about our vital role in fostering a more inclusive and supportive community.
Here is the original BBC News article:
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