Pictured above: PPDGs Kidderminster branch manager, Jenny Nixon, with Kat Stephenson, manager at Mentor Link's Stourport High Street shop

A generous gift from a group of workers in Kidderminster will go directly to help young people in the county.

Employment and training specialist Pertemps People Development Group (PPDG) based in Church Street, Kidderminster help prepare job seekers for a return to work through a range of Government contracts. To recognise their success, staff suggested making a donation from its Payroll Giving scheme to Bewdley based charity Mentor Link. 

As a small project which began in 2004 at the former Bewdley High School, Mentor Link trains volunteers to act as mentors to young people across 13 schools. The mentors befriend and support those facing difficulties including: deprivation, family breakdown, substance misuse, illness, bereavement, crime and neglect. 

Andrea Maddocks, Mentor Link Chief Executive was delighted to receive the £250 donation which will help the charity deliver its services.

She said enthusiastically: "A huge thank you is due to all the staff at PPDG in Kidderminster for their generosity. 

"Young people often face a number of issues and having someone to turn to for a listening ear can make all the difference particularly when creating a more positive attitude towards learning and finding a job. 

"The Church Street staff have also been a great source of help by providing our retail outlet on Stourport's High Street with volunteers on monthly work placements which shop manager Katrina has found invaluable."  

PPDG's programme of community support has already resulted in payroll giving donations nationally of well over £140,000 supporting 325 different charities and worthy causes since its inception six years ago.

Kidderminster Branch Manager Jenny Nixon explained why the staff nominated the charity.

"Mentor Link is a priceless organisation providing vital support to young children in the Worcestershire area," she said.

"The opportunity they offer to obtain valuable work experience is helping many of our local job seekers to move ever closer to securing full-time employment. It's a partnership we hope will go from strength to strength."