At Southway Housing Trust, we often talk about the importance of investing in people’s potential. Sometimes, a story comes along that perfectly demonstrates why that matters.
Over the course of several months, we have been supporting Salahdeen and Nassra through our employment and skills programmes, helping them move closer to achieving their career goals and recognising the significant skills and experience they already had to offer.
Throughout their journey, their commitment, resilience and determination have been outstanding.
Salahdeen was a standout participant on Southway Academy, fully engaging in the programme, contributing positively and demonstrating the skills, attitude and enthusiasm employers are looking for. Nassra showed exceptional commitment on our Health and Social Care course, embracing every opportunity to learn, develop and prepare herself for employment. Despite both holding degree-level qualifications and bringing valuable experience, they faced challenges re-entering the labour market. Like many talented people, they simply needed the opportunity to showcase their abilities and connect with the right employer.
That opportunity came when colleagues across Southway had the chance to see first-hand what they could offer. As a result, both Salahdeen and Nassra have now secured employment opportunities within Southway Housing Trust.
What makes this success story even more powerful is the impact it has had on the whole family. Their son, Mohamed, also joined Southway through our work experience programme and quickly made a fantastic impression. The feedback received from colleagues has been overwhelmingly positive, and he is certainly one to watch for the future. For us, this isn’t just a story about employment outcomes. It’s about confidence, belonging and the transformational impact that meaningful opportunities can have on individuals and families. As Salahdeen told us:
“Southway have turned our home into a happy, thriving place and given us all a purpose and a new lease of life.”
That quote perfectly captures why employment support matters.
Why This Matters
This is about much more than filling vacancies. It demonstrates what can happen when housing providers invest in residents, focus on potential and create genuine pathways into employment. The story highlights:
- Two residents supported into employment with Southway Housing Trust.
- One young person gaining valuable workplace experience.
- Degree-qualified talent successfully supported back into work.
- A whole-family impact, improving confidence, wellbeing and future aspirations.
- A great example of social value in action.
- A practical demonstration of the ambitions behind the Greater Manchester 20% Movement.
As housing providers, we have a unique opportunity to identify talent within our communities and create routes into employment that might not otherwise exist. Salahdeen, Nassra and Mohamed’s story shows the difference this can make—not just to individuals, but to entire families.
It is a powerful reminder that when we look beyond CVs and invest in people’s potential, the results can be truly life-changing.
