As a social enterprise, 100% of our profits are gift aided directly to our parent charity, Newground Together, a charity established to create better lives and opportunities for our communities.
A vital part of our charity’s work is helping people into employment, often through training and skills development. This month, we’re highlighting the work of Riaz Osman, one of our dedicated colleagues in the Employment and Skills team at Newground Together.
He’s a friendly face to many members of public who come to visit our hub in Blackburn Mall.
As a Community Employment Advisor, Riaz comes to work each day ready to support people from all backgrounds on their journey into employment.
Whether he’s advising on the best way to showcase skills on a CV or helping individuals build confidence for interviews, Riaz says it’s the people he meets who make his role truly inspiring.
Riaz told us:
“I’ve always enjoyed helping others, being kind, and making people happy. These values are a big part of who I am and I’m lucky to work at Newground Together, where these principles guide everything we do.
At Newground Together, our mission isn’t just about finding people jobs, it’s about changing lives and making a lasting positive impact.
When a customer comes to us asking for help, that’s where the journey begins. One of my favourite parts of the process is helping participants update their CVs.
It’s incredible how small changes can highlight their most important skills and experiences. Together we build a plan, a road map for their success.”
Building relationships is a key part of Riaz’s role as a Community Employment Advisor. By taking the time to get to know each individual, he helps create a welcoming environment where people feel comfortable and supported throughout their employment journey.
Riaz and his team also run a job club at the Care Network Hub, where participants take part in a range of activities designed to prepare them for the world of work.
It’s about more than just finding a job – it’s about equipping people with the tools and confidence to thrive in all aspects of life.
“It’s not just about filling positions, it’s about bringing stability to their lives, creating positive change in our community, giving people a second chance in life.
When people find work that makes them happy, it doesn’t just change their lives, it ripples out, creating a brighter future for everyone.”