NEWS – Angela Rayner MP visits Groundwork in Ashton
Angela Rayner MP visited Groundwork Greater Manchester’s office in Ashton-under-Lyne on the 2nd of April 2026, meeting staff, residents and young people to learn more about our work supporting communities across her constituency in Tameside.
During the visit, she attended Groundwork’s St Peter’s Job Club, an initiative designed to help local residents build skills, confidence and pathways into employment, wherever they are on their employment journey. The Job Club offers practical support including CV writing, interview preparation and job search guidance, alongside access to training opportunities and one-to-one advice. It also plays an important role in reducing social isolation and helping people overcome barriers to work by providing a welcoming, supportive environment.
Angela spent time speaking with participants about their experiences and aspirations, hearing directly how the programme is helping people take positive steps towards meaningful, future-proof careers. She also chatted to Groundwork Energy Advisor’s Kennedi and Ivan, who attend the Job Club to provide energy advice to participants. They also shared their own employment journey with Groundwork, explaining that they took part in the Cadent Green Doctor Academy and are now thriving in their careers.
The visit also included a session with a group of young people who regularly attend Groundwork’s Tameside youth club. The discussion between Angela, the young people and the Groundwork team focused on the importance of safe, supportive spaces where young people can build confidence, develop skills and engage in positive activities within their community.
One young attendee, OJ, spoke passionately about his experiences and future ambitions, sharing his views to Angela with confidence and clarity,
More should be done to build trust between young people and the police. It would be great if there were more opportunities for young people to just speak with them, or perhaps they could host a dirt biking event so there was somewhere for us to go without getting into trouble.
Groundwork colleagues also had the opportunity to reflect on the organisation’s impact across the borough.
Venetia Knight, Director at Groundwork Greater Manchester, said:
We were delighted to welcome Angela Rayner MP to Groundwork’s Ashton-under-Lyne offices. Her visit gave staff and local residents accessing St Peter’s Job Club a valuable opportunity to share their experiences and explore the wide range of support we offer, from employment advice and support plus Working Wardrobe interview clothing and coaching to energy saving advice and retrofit training. It was especially inspiring to see young people speak so openly about their ambitions and the challenges they face in Tameside.
Speaking after the visit, Angela Rayner MP praised the work being delivered locally, commenting:
It was great to visit the Groundwork team in Ashton and see first-hand the incredible work being done to build a greener, fairer and stronger Greater Manchester.
From tackling environmental challenges to supporting communities who need it most, their approach is all about practical action and real change. It’s inspiring to see an organisation that truly lives its values – caring, collaborative and bold – while championing social and environmental justice every single day.
I’m proud to support work that’s making such a difference to people and places across our region.
Groundwork Greater Manchester continues to work towards a long-term vision for Tameside and the wider city-region: creating communities that are greener, stronger and more resilient. Through its programmes, the organisation aims to improve life chances so that everyone can feel good in themselves, live well in their homes, build meaningful connections and access fulfilling employment, while contributing to vibrant, sustainable neighbourhoods