The setting up of The Initiative in East Pollokshields is ‘very good news’ for the area said Westminster MP Mohammed Sarwar when he formally opened the premises at 419 Shields Road in November.

‘This is a big success story – 34 people have already found jobs and many others on benefits are finding good opportunities for a better future.’ Added The Initiative’s Chief Executive, Candy Munro, ‘It is fantastic what has been done here in such a short time.’

One of the first successes is Shamila Rehman who is now a receptionist at The Initiative’s office in Gorbals. With a degree in International Marketing but with home care responsibilities, 22-year-old Shamila wasn’t able to follow her career options in London. Instead she was working in a local call centre and was losing confidence. ‘Coming into the East Pollokshields Initiative’s office was a special, positive experience,’ she told the LOCAL NEWS.

‘My advisor John Carroll helped me write a new CV and guided me in using the internet to look for a job. When the vacancy came up in Gorbals I was interviewed and got the job and am really pleased at the outcome.’ She was one of the first local residents to come through the door when the office opened in August.

Sally Smith was another person from East Pollokshields was trying to get back into full time work. Said Sally, ‘I’d been a session worker with Community Learning since 1990 but the sessions were getting less and less.’

Fully committed to helping people overcome literacy problems and well experienced in this work, her advisor, Diane Pollock, assisted her to write up her CV and apply for a post in community development. ‘I got the job,’ said a delighted Sally. ‘And since then I’ve been offered two other job interviews!’

Also attending the celebrations were local Councillors Bashir Ahmad and Stephen Curren. Said Councillor Curren, ‘This is a great day and a wonderful start in Pollokshields for The Initiative.’ Commented Councillor Ahmad, ‘I enjoyed it very much in every way.’

Added Smina Aaktar of the Southside Housing Association, ‘This is a great thing to have in the neighbourhood.’ Linda Gilmour of Pollokshields Housing Association said, ‘I’m delighted to see The Initiative open premises in Pollokshields and am looking forward to possibilities of more joint working.’

The office in 419 Shields Road is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, 11am to 5pm on Wednesdays. The office closes between 12.30 and 1.30 for lunch. They can be contacted on 0141 429 3243.