The Freedom Project is aimed at those who have additional barriers to moving on in life, such as homelessness, mental health issues, addiction recovery or a criminal record. It runs for 20 weeks and allows participants to gain work skills and experience within the six main areas of our operation: warehousing & deliveries, catering, customer services, facilities management, office admin and waste recycling. Further support is provided through our own in-house training modules.
Freedom Project volunteers can access a number of other services alongside their work experience, such as creative programs like our Art Class, Drama Group and Music Studio and practical services such as ESOL course and Computer Skills. Finally, there are employability-based services such as our Job club and work placements with local businesses.
The Freedom Project regularly helps our volunteers to grow in confidence, motivation, stability, wellbeing and employability. It ensures that they have an up-to-date CV and gives them at least one current work reference. Perhaps most important of all, it provides the opportunity to experience the sense of value that comes from belonging to a healthy community and from serving others in need.
Manchester residents
If you would like to refer someone to the Freedom Project or if you would like to apply, please download the Freedom Project Enquiry (Ancoats Hub) Form and return it to freedom@mustardtree.org.uk. If you are unable to email it to us, you are welcome to post it to Freedom Coordinator, Mustard Tree, 110 Oldham Road, Ancoats, Manchester, M4 6AG. For further information, please call us on 07803 428 709 / 0161 850 2282
Salford residents
If you would like to refer someone to the Freedom Project or if you would like to apply, please download the Freedom Project Enquiry (Salford Hub) Form and return it to freedom@mustardtree.org.uk. If you are unable to email it to us, you are welcome to post it to Freedom Coordinator, Mustard Tree, 50 Hulton District Centre, M28 0AU. For further information, please call us on 07740 743 585/ 0161 505 0974
After filling in one of our forms, you will be contacted by the relevant team and invited to an informal Open Day at the hub you applied to. You will be greeted by our fantastic welcome hosts, all Freedom Project volunteers themselves and given a short talk introduction from the people who know best. You will also get a full tour of what we have on offer, our classes and courses and meet our lovely staff. Lunch will be provided if you wish to stay – and we hope to then invite you into Mustard Tree!