Sutton good-cause The Rossendale Trust will celebrate a decade of their WorkTaste programme in 2023.

The WorkTaste programme started in 2013 enabling local businesses and community projects, to host short workplace opportunities for Rossendale tenants.

The tenants, who are adults with learning and physical disabilities, are supported one-to-one by Rossendale trained staff, to develop their skills and experience, allowing them to build a portfolio to share in future interviews.

Macclesfield institutions that have employed Rossendale residents from the programme include The Tytherington Club on Dorchester Way, and Crag Spring Water in Wildboarclough.

Duncan Maynard & Rupert Halsey, working at the Macc Pop-Up Shop for The Rossendale Trust. (Image - The Rossendale Trust)

And some even got stuck in at last month's pop-up shop in Macclesfield's Grosvenor Centre.

Those who did, received a visit from Macclesfield MP's David Rutley.

Creating work experiences whilst spreading festive cheer were the main purposes of the Rossendale Trust taking over Macc Pop-up, with donations from the public being an added bonus.

For a week at the end of November, participants of the Rossendale Trust's WorkTaste programme had the opportunity to serve customers and learn valuable skills from their Christmas retail experience. Local, unique Christmas gifts such as Christmas cards, mugs and coasters, and personalised Christmas stockings were available to purchase.

Parties can lease Macc Pop-up for £250 per week.

During the visit David had the opportunity to meet with WorkTaste coaches and participants to discuss the initiative, which provides invaluable work experience for the charity's tenants. David also met with Adam Schofield, former Macclesfield Mayor, who is also an advocate of the Rossendale Trust through being a Trustee.

Speaking after the visit, David said, "The Rossendale Trust is well respected for providing quality care and support for their tenants.

"The WorkTaste programme takes their work a step further, developing valuable skills through the work experiences on offer.

"From talking to the participants of the programme, it is clear this is an important initiative, which will provide much needed opportunities in the future. I hope more local organisations will take part in the year ahead."

Please click here to find more about the WorkTaste programme and to donate to the Macclesfield charity.

If you want to lease Macc Pop-up, please click here.

See Also: The Rossendale Trust sees huge donation from Macclesfield Roundtable and Ex-Mayor

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