Lifelong Hammers Danny Panrucker and Neil Taylor have been helping their fellow West Ham United supporters get work, support and help since 2020...
The COVID pandemic affected everyone in 2020, both directly and indirectly.
Of course, the most serious affect were the many thousands of deaths and serious illnesses suffered by those who contracted the disease.
Many businesses and individuals struggled to make ends meet during the periods of lockdown when closures and reduced custom led to companies closing and many people either finding their jobs no longer existed or being made redundant.
West Ham United supporters were among those whose lives were turned upside down and so, when the Government imposed a national lockdown, lifelong Hammers Danny Padrucker and Neil Taylor decided to take direct action in June 2020.
The duo, who are both from Newham and have supported the Club for many decades, set up the ‘Hammers for Work and Support’ Facebook group to provide support and employment for their fellow Hammers and their families across east London and beyond.
The Facebook group has grown to have nearly 19,000 members over the last three years and has been joined by a Twitter account with 9,000 followers, and a website.
While the worst of the pandemic and lockdowns appear to be behind us, Hammers for Work and Support has become a firmly established network, linking potential employers with employees, and vice-versa.
Taylor explained that the not-for-profit group has forged links with businesses of all shapes and sizes, in a range of industries, offering everything from full and part-time roles to apprenticeships.
“Since 2020, over 200 Hammers have secured employment through Hammers for Work and Support,” he confirmed. “The group is the only one of its kind that we know of, and we now have over 25,000 members on social media.
“As well as jobs and apprenticeships, we also advocate mental health and CV writing support to help people become more employable, all of which, like all our services, are offered free of charge.
“We always try to help and are extremely proud of how the group has grown.”
In addition to supporting their fellow Hammers into work and apprenticeships, the group gives businesses the opportunity to advertise vacancies and build partnerships through their established and growing network.
Many of the businesses involved are run by West Ham supporters.
Hammers for Work and Support has also provided over 400 donated match tickets to youth organisations, single parents and others who would otherwise be unable to attend games at London Stadium.
The Club has provided 70 tickets to the group for Thursday's UEFA Europa Conference League round of 16 tie with AEK Larnaca, which have been donated to multi-sports club Newham Ability Camp, SCASS Children's After School Care and Activity Clubs, Little Thurrock Dynamos FC Under-11s and Footstepz Football Academy.
“We support numerous charities and individuals in Newham and beyond and we try to help any Hammers who need support,” Taylor confirmed.
While the group is firmly established and has connected thousands of people since 2020, its work is never done, and Taylor encouraged any individuals in need of support, or businesses who can offer it, to become members.
“We could not function without the help and support of what I consider the best fans in the land,” he concluded. “The generosity and support of the Claret and Blue Army is humbling.
“If any Hammers need a job, help or support they are welcome to join our group now.”
