MAXIMUS UK – which is delivering the Government's Restart scheme in the district – has been giving a Keighley centre its support.

Members of the organisation's Bradford team helped out at Keighley Association Women and Children’s Centre as part of an initiative which encourages employees to spend a day volunteering at a charity close to their hearts.

The centre – in Marlborough Street – is already used as an outreach base by Restart, which aims to help people back into employment.

Maximus UK colleagues split into two teams, each spending a day helping out at the site.

One nine-strong group cleared debris and mud from the car park whilst four fellow workers used their visit to undertake research and assist the centre's chief executive officer, Naz Kazmi.

Naz also outlined to the volunteers more about the work of the centre, whose roots go back almost four decades.

The charity has transitioned from a nursery to a multi-purpose establishment supporting vulnerable women in the community.

It works with women from all walks of life, helping them with financial issues, employability and interview skills, accredited courses, job searching and student placements.

Naz welcomes the link-up with Maximus UK.

She said: "It’s great to partner with an organisation which is about supporting people in Keighley back into sustainable work, people who are looking for opportunities.

"From a business perspective Maximus supports not only local people but employers too – and that is something which is needed in the Bradford district.

"We are a grassroots organisation with a holistic approach, getting people ready for work and enabling them to take that first step into employment.

"The volunteering sessions at the centre gave Maximus the opportunity to see what we do in supporting people, as these are the people Maximus is likely to be supporting itself."

Saira Butt, from Maximus UK, said she and colleagues were delighted to take part in the initiative.

"We were all excited about offering our support," she added.

"The volunteering provided us with an opportunity to connect with a grassroots community asset, make a positive contribution and be part of something special.

"Moreover, it was a fantastic opportunity for our Maximus colleagues to bond and build on existing relationships.

"We are investing in giving back to the community and a huge thank-you goes to the Bradford branch, its social value team and Naz at the centre for making this happen."