The People’s Orchestra have a long and distinguished history of helping unemployed people get into work through providing work experience in the arts and music sector, with over 1000 people assisted since we started our community initiatives in 2013.
TPO Bridge is a project that helps unemployed people of all ages find a route back into paid employment. Recognising that people have very different needs, TPO Bridge takes great care in creating Individual Plans to ensure that the support provided is appropriate. This is done by a series of 1:1 appointments with our in-house Employment Liaison Officer. Support can include assistance with work placements, CV creation, impressing at job interviews, confidence building and more. Our work placements contribute to a behind-the-scenes office team, as well as concert day and events support for the orchestras and choirs.
We are experts in helping some of our most vulnerable participants to grow in confidence and knowledge, supporting them to recognise their own unique personal skills to benefit their new employers. The People’s Orchestra also operates a unique online service, which allows our participants to access resources, such as interview technique and non-work-related workshops, remotely from home or wherever is convenient.
We cover the Black Country and operate from our Head Office in West Bromwich. We also provide an outreach service, often in local Jobcentres, to offer a bit more support to those who lack the confidence to make their way to us. Travel information to our head office can be found HERE.
This service is free of charge and supported by the National Lottery Community Fund, Henry Smith Charitable Foundation and Trusthouse.
Please do get in touch...
We continue to provide a remote support service during the Corona Virus lockdown and beyond. We have extended our usual hours of Monday to Thursday 9:00 – 5:00:, as well as Friday 9:00 to 1:00, quite specifically to give a listening ear and a friendly voice at the end of a telephone to those struggling with isolation and job loss.
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Since you're here...
… we have a small favour to ask. More people than ever are being helped back into work thanks to our players, and our outreach work is helping more and more people in our community, but this year has been the most difficult ever to raise the grant funding we need to keep going. Fears over Brexit hasn’t help and we really don’t want to increase ticket prices – we want to make our concerts open to all, including the most disadvantaged in our community. So, you can see why we need to ask for your help. The People’s Orchestra is a charity. We play great music but importantly we help loads of people back into work, 900+ to date. Our staff help students gain great marks for university projects too. We are not influenced by billionaire owners, politicians or shareholders. We’re volunteer led, inclusive and diverse. And this gives us the power to yes to all sorts of community causes. It lets us challenge the norm - and prove a point. Being different works. And at a time when music teaching in schools is declining and funding for school orchestras is at an all-time low, we need to expand to fill the gaps and support those who need us, it’s what sets us apart from so many others. The People’s Orchestra long-term sustainability relies on the support that we receive directly from our followers. And we would like to thank all those who are helping to make our future secure. But we cannot stop here. As more of you offer your ongoing support, we can keep investing in quality music and community support. We can remain a strong, progressive force that is open to all. If everyone who attends our concerts, or reads our news, who likes us, also helps to support it, our future would be much more secure. For as little as £1, you can support The People’s Orchestra – and it only takes a minute. Thank you.
