Leeds United boss praises former homeless man given LUFC job in charity scheme

A MAN who became homeless and saw his family relationships fall apart due to his drug use has been given a fresh start after Leeds United trialled a charity employment scheme at Elland Road.
Angus Kinnear.Angus Kinnear.
Angus Kinnear.

The club’s managing director Angus Kinnear got involved with the The Howarth Foundation’s Business Building Futures programme, which helps to get homeless and recently rehoused people back into work, earlier this year at a seminar about how businesses could help tackle homelessness across Leeds.

He later offered Gavin, who became homeless late last year, a job in the club’s general maintenance team.

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Mr Kinnear said he had been “thoroughly impressed” by the high standard of work and level of commitment demonstrated by Gavin, whose surname has been protected.

Gavin became homeless after he was discharged from hospital at the end of 2017.

He was taken in by St George’s Crypt, and joined its Growing Rooms programme while living in supported accommodation.

“The club has worked closely with The Howarth Foundation during Gavin’s first three months at LUFC, and following a successful review, he will become a full-time team member in 2019,” Mr Kinnear said.

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Mark Broadley, head of IT and facilities at Leeds United, added: “Working at LUFC over the last three months has boosted Gavin’s confidence and self-esteem. He is an extremely competent and capable worker who is an asset to the team due to his skills and standard of work.”

Natalie Wells, business development manager at The Howarth Foundation, said: “Gavin has just marked his ‘clean anniversary’ on November 21. He is back in touch with his mum and dad after not having a relationship with them for years due to his drug use, and he visits his gran once a week for tea.”