Maidstone council is hoping to help the homeless and unemployed walk back into work, with the launch of a new ‘boot bank’.

The scheme will loan people work shoes in a bid to secure them jobs in manual labour.

The idea came about when a group of organisations working together to support homeless people in the town found some people were offered employment, but could not afford the work wear needed to take on the job.

After a successful trial, it was agreed to extend the scheme across the town.

The boots can be paid for at a later date, once someone is in work, with that money being used to buy more to keep the project going.

It is open to those who have been unable to access similar support elsewhere, and who have good prospects of employment.

It has been kick-started with a donation of 10 pairs of work boots from Lordswood construction company Faithdean.

Director Damien South said: “Faithdean is delighted to be able to support such a worthwhile scheme. I hope providing some equipment needed to take on work will make a difference.”

Chairman of Maidstone council’s communities, housing and environment committee, Cllr Marion Ring, said: “Some of the barriers people face to get back into work can be very simple to overcome with just a little innovative thinking, and the Boot Bank has the potential to really help some of those in most need in the borough.”

The people using the scheme in the first instance will be those with a connection to the borough who have been referred by support agencies.

In 2012 Vanessa Osment put up a sign in her salon, Hair Lounge in James Whatman Way, offering free haircuts to unemployed people ahead of job interviews.

She said: “With people going through hard times, I wanted to do something to support the community.”

In 2013 jobseekers were offered Gok Wan-style makeovers for job interviews.

The Dress to Impress service was offered to Golding Homes tenants who had secured interviews, providing help choosing an outfit and tips on how to make a good impression on a potential employer.

In 2014 Wheels 2 Work was rolled out across west Kent, loaning 50cc scooters to jobless people living in rural areas who needed transport to secure work or training placements. The subsidised £28 a week rental cost included training, safety gear and tax and insurance.

Any companies able to donate boots or personal protective equipment can contact housing
advice@maidstone.gov.uk