A PROFOUNDLY deaf man is gaining valuable work experience thanks to an innovative Journey into Work and Forging Futures programme.

Steven McCorry, from Dormanstown, had found it difficult to gain work experience in the past but after being unemployed for more than five years, he attended Work Hubs, part of the scheme, and was referred to Forging Futures.

He applied for a work placement and has been working as a labourer on the Crown House project and at community centres around the area, as part of Coast & Country’s Empty Homes scheme .

Crown House in Middlesbrough is being brought back to life as part of the Boho 6 Middlehaven Waterfront mixed use regeneration project.

Emma Tooth, community investment officer at Coast & Country, said: “Steven is doing very well in his work placements, acquiring valuable experience and skills and gaining in confidence.

“This is a fantastic example of three of our innovative schemes working together for the benefit of an individual and the wider community.”

Forging Futures is a pioneering initiative that delivers bespoke training and is designed to motivate and increase self-esteem, as well as providing unemployed people with the skills to actively seek and secure learning and employment opportunities.