Manchester-based charity Mustard Tree has improved its training facilities and equipment thanks to a £1,000 grant from Leeds Building Society Foundation.
The charity, which was founded 25 years ago, supports people across Greater Manchester who are in poverty and face homelessness. It provides practical support, friendship, employment links, health and wellbeing services and new experiences to encourage aspiration.
The £1,000 grant has paid for equipment, including PCs, interactive whiteboards and projectors, for the Mustard Tree’s training and key skills courses.
David Bond, Trusts and Grants Manager at Mustard Tree, said: “Thanks to this investment Mustard Tree has been able to purchase new equipment, increasing our capacity to deliver more crucial training courses.
“This investment comes at a perfect time for Mustard Tree, following the refurbishment of our main HQ. With the improved equipment we can make the most of our new space, and encourage more people to become active members of their community rather than excluded from it.
“We now expect 200 people a year to access our ESOL (English as a Second Language), MoneySmart, IT and Customer Service training courses, offering more opportunities to people who want to move away from chronic poverty and the threat of homelessness, and towards a brighter future.”
Gary Brook, a Trustee of Leeds Building Society Foundation said: “Mustard Tree is a well-established charity in Manchester and has been working hard to make a difference to peoples’ lives in the area for 25 years.
“We’re pleased to have provided a grant that has already helped to improve the training courses offered at Mustard Tree and increased access for those who need it.”
