Earlier this year, our Social Value team visited A&K Community Hub in Birkenhead to learn more about the wide range of services they provide to their local community. From Job Clubs and accredited training to mental health groups and emergency food support, the Hub plays a vital role in helping people build better futures.

During the visit, the team heard about Callum – a 25-year-old local resident with a clear goal: to find secure employment, support his young family, and give back to his community. Having previously been on Universal Credit, Callum wanted to turn a corner, gain qualifications, and set an example for his two children by showing that hard work pays off.

Callum had expressed a strong interest in becoming a Debt Advisor, inspired by his own experiences and his desire to help others avoid the challenges he’d seen so many fall into, including gambling debt and financial issues linked to County Lines activity. He sees the role not just as a job, but as a long-term career through which he can make a real difference.

Katie Vaugan (social value team) recognised Callum’s potential and the impact this role could make within the community and put forward a proposal to cover the cost of his training. With support across the business the funding of just under £1,000 was granted.

This funding will enable Callum to complete a full training pathway, including a Level 3 Advice and Guidance qualification, and CMA Awards in both Debt Advice and Casework/Specialist Advice. Within 12 months, he is expected to take up a full-time role at A&K, offering much-needed debt and benefits advice to local people.

Callum commented:

‘I can’t wait until I am qualified as a debt advisor. I’m enjoying all the learning and can’t believe how varied the cases I’ve been involved in are’

Katie Vaugan commented:

“It’s a privilege to be a part of Callum’s journey. Supporting ideas like this is exactly what motivates me, and it’s fantastic to work for an organisation that’s open to doing things differently. This is Procure Plus at its best – backing individuals who want to build a better future for themselves and their communities.”

Gwen Beeken commented:

“By supporting Callum’s training, we’ve enabled him to secure a job, which is life changing for him and his family, but through that work Callum’s knowledge and skills will help others, which makes that investment all the more valuable.

We’ll continue to stay in touch with A&K and look forward to sharing updates on Callum’s progress over the coming months.