1. Business in the Community Ireland Rosemary Carvill Coordinator Ready for Work, ROI Bob Northey Coordinator Ready for Work, NI

2. Ready for work programme aims: To help homeless people move from dependence to independence with business support by: Preparing homeless people for work through a two day training package followed by Minimum two week work placement with Buddy support Linking in with Training & Employment Officer for work, training or further education (ROI)

3. Ready For Work Partners Service Providers Businesses Business in the Community

4. Ready For Work Programme Statistics Since September 2002 to date ROI: 30 homeless candidates have been offered a two-week work placement 11 have been offered jobs 2 are doing work experience 1 is doing voluntary work 4 are in further training/education

5. Ready For Work Programme Statistics Since September 2002 to date NI: 37 homeless candidates have been offered a two-week work placement 29 have been assessed as suitable for work with Marks & Spencer 5 have secured employment

6. BUSINESS CAN HELP BY: Offering work placements Offering employment opportunities Volunteering as trainers Host training/action days Raising awareness of the homelessness issue through briefing sessions

7. For further information Rosemary Carvill Business in the Community Ireland Tel: 01 874 7232. Web: www.bitc.iewww.bitc.ie Bob Northey Business in the Community NI. Tel: 048 9041 0410 Web: www.bitcni.org.ukwww.bitcni.org.uk Also see: Web: www.csreurope.orgwww.csreurope.org