Our Staff Are Worth The Investment
Renewal is proud to be part of the Living Wage scheme, the only UK wage rate calculated on the actual cost of living. In the last 3 years, employees have received an extra £2,246 by receiving a Living Wage. As we are in a cost-of-living crisis, having a wage that matches these costs has a tangible positive impact on employees and their families.
One of our goals as a charity is to remove the barriers that prevent people from working. This could be a lack of education and skills, but an ineffective wage can also be a barrier. Luke 10:7 says that “those who work deserve their pay”, and as we base all our work on the Word of God, our finances must do the same. When we reflect on the impactful work of our staff, it is clear to see why we have chosen to invest in them by becoming Living Wage employers.
Gaining New Skills at 57
Ellen manages our cafe, Refresh Coffee House, and at nearly 60, she never thought that she would still be learning new skills. At a time when some are preparing for retirement, Ellen has decided to take on a new challenge that blesses her community
I applied for the job at Refresh Coffee House (run by Renewal North West) after stepping down from a busy administration role, as I had to get care in place for family members. A friend who was volunteering at Renewal told me someone was needed for the cafe. Initially, I thought it wouldn’t be for me, but then I decided to apply, as during the months I wasn’t working, I had continued to volunteer at a cafe on the other side of Manchester.
At first, I found it quite hard, as I was learning on the job; I wasn’t used to using a proper coffee machine, so I just had to think on my feet! The prayers of friends, near and far, helped a lot, and Becky, our main volunteer, was a fantastic help.
It now makes me smile that, at nearly 60, I have gained a whole new skill set! I have loved building our team and encouraging our volunteers. It has been very positive to see how our different gifts and talents have come together to make an effective and hardworking team. We are now a busy, popular cafe, selling a nice menu which the public really seems to appreciate. He has taken the pieces of our lives and woven them together to make something special. It has been a privilege to be part of that. It has felt like a meaningful journey, and I have been grateful for the experience. God is good.
Renewal Helped Me To Become Independent
Hi, my name is Simon, and I wanted to share what employment at Renewal North West has meant to me. I started out as a volunteer, back in October 2021, and I was volunteering for about 18 months, at which point, I was offered employment. I accepted and have been here ever since!
This has been a really great environment for me to work in: it’s given me new friends, a new environment, and has broadened my outlook on life in general. It’s been a positive experience for me personally as well as circumstantially, as I live in a flat owned by Renewal North West. Renewal North West has given me my first ever job, allowing me to move out of my family home and become independent.
God has been so good to me, and I’m really thankful to Him and Renewal. Praise the Lord!
