The People’s Orchestra is a leading provider of specialist employment and skills support for unemployed people in Sandwell and it’s surrounds.
We do this by supporting hundreds of people every year across a range of programmes, with hundreds of delivery locations at the heart of the communities we serve.
The People’s Orchestra has a long and distinguished history of supporting unemployed people into work and providing work experience in the arts and music sector. We are expert 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.
Innovation is at the heart of what we do. The People’s Orchestra operates a unique online service allowing our participants to access support from their home or wherever is convenient.
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. Support can include: Technical updating, confidence building, work placements, CV creation and impressing at job interviews. The work placements contribute to a behind the scenes office team, as well as during concerts and events to support the orchestras and choirs.
We cover the Black Country and operate from our Head Office, based 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.
To register please complete the form below
New job success for Graphic Designer thanks to TPO
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Shameela’s Story
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Martin’s Story
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Recent Success – Back to work for TPO Volunteer
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Andrew – Work Placement
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Alex – Work Placement
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Zainib – Business and Management Workplacement
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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.
