Pictured above: Getting in tune for the Big Busk are (from left) Pertemps People Development Group clients Derek Tyler and Michelle Tipping with job seeker Matt Langsford, who volunteers for A National Voice

A group of unemployed Leamington Spa people are hoping to hit the right notes and turn music into money when they stage a charity event to help those less fortunate than themselves.

They are planning to swap job seeking for fundraising with 'The Big Busk' - an open mic night at The Robbins Well pub, The Parade, from 8.30pm on Tuesday March 22nd.

The 18 unemployed residents, aged from 18 to over 50, are taking part in the Government's Flexible New Deal (FND) programme run by employment experts Pertemps People Development Group (PPDG). They came up with the idea of organising a charity event as part of the course.

All proceeds will go to A National Voice, an organisation that helps local youngsters who are, or have been, in care. PPDG client Robert Woodward, from Harbury, said "Everyone needs a helping hand sometimes. As someone who is unemployed, it is nice to be able to give something back."

Karen Baldyga, PPDG multi-functional trainer, said: "I have a group of FND clients who are currently doing their MWRA with me. As part of their course, we work on improving some of the skills that employers are looking for like effective communication, team working and problem solving. The PPDG Challenge does just that - challenges them. I ask the group to plan, organise and run an event that will benefit the community in some way.

"The Robbins Well Pub is a 'Scream' Pub aimed at youngsters and holds an open mic night every Tuesday. They are happy for the group to hijack the evening and raise some money. The group are not able to charge an entrance fee, but they will be having a raffle as well as 'passing the hat' for the entertainment provided. We have also been told that if we donate food to the chef, he will cook it and the group can keep all proceeds." 

She added: "We have one musician in the group, who plays guitar and piano, and we have a couple of talented members of staff who are being persuaded to get up on stage. We do of course need more singers, musicians, comedians and friends to join us on the night."

PPDG works in partnership with Jobcentre Plus and other organisations to deliver Welfare to Work Government-funded employment and training initiatives including Flexible New Deal, the Working Neighbourhoods Fund and Learndirect training programmes. More than 100,000 job seekers have been helped into sustained employment by the company since the projects began.  It has also trained over 130,000 people in vocational skills, and more than 175,000 people have benefited from professional information, advice and guidance services.