Forward2Employment was officially opened by honoured guests from across Medway and Kent.
On Friday 27th September 2024, Forward2Employment hosted their official opening of their new site at Knights Park, Strood. They were honoured to welcome Lauren Edwards, MP for Rochester and Strood, as well as business leaders from across Medway & Kent, former and current interns, and Parents & Carers.
The event began with welcome speeches from Elizabeth Halton, Principal of Forward2Employment and ended with Lauren Edwards, MP, officially opening the building with a ceremonial ribbon cutting.
“It was absolutely delightful, my first every ribbon cutting, and it’s fantastic to do it for such a wonderful organisation. [Forward2Employment] has a hugely positive impact… [and is] really helping people with learning disabilities into work. I think it’s going to have a transformational affect for people in Medway.” – Lauren Edwards, MP for Rochester and Strood.
Following this, a tour was provided for the guests of the new premises, showcasing the brilliant work the Forward2Employment team do as part of their Supported Internship and Supported Employment programmes. They also had the opportunity to meet the current and past interns and Supported Employment clients, as well as the staff team who work across Forward2Employment and Fortis Trust.
All of the guests were also provided with a networking lunch, where we asked for donations, which will donated to Macmillan Cancer Support, as part of their Coffee Morning initiative.
“Today has been the culmination of 6 years of hard work from all the team to improve the opportunities for young people across Kent and Medway. I’m so proud of how far Forward2Employment has come and the fact that we have supported over 100 young people on their path to employment. I am however, humbled on a daily basis by the strength of character our young people show in their determination to show how capable they are in the work place if they are just given the opportunity to prove it. It is for that reason we will continue to drive forward and champion the cause of Supported Employment.” – Elizabeth Halton, Principal of Forward2Employment