The Let’s Get Working Programme was developed to provide a “one stop shop” to support people in Conwy to overcome barriers that prevented them progressing into education, training, volunteering, work experience and employment. This was necessary as there was a number of grants each funding different areas of work and aimed at different client groups such as:
- Genesis – supported mainly parents
- New Work Connections – supported mainly social care service users
- A Families First Grant – supported parents and young people age 16+
- An Engagement Gateway Grant – supported people into volunteering
They, supported 1447 people in the 5 years to May 2014, achieving the following outcomes:
- 163 people gained employment
- 396 people achieved a qualification
- 174 progressed onto further learning
- 144 progressed onto volunteering or work placements
- 147 people secured a job interview
- Totalling 80% of the people having a positive outcome that contributed to their wellbeing
A benefit analysis was carried out to identify potential savings in:
- out of work benefits
- Mental Health Services
- Children and Family Services
- Disability Services
This evidenced the need for the service to continue and showed the project was sustainable by achieving cost savings to Social Services, the Department for Work and Pensions (out of work benefits) and Health Services.
Therefore, the Social Care and Education department funded the core Let’s Get Working Programme team within Community and Wellbeing, under Preventative Services. Social Services saw it as a good preventive service to help us meet the Social Care and Wellbeing Act. Our aim is to provide innovative support around a wide range of issues affecting individuals who wish to progress to paid work, work experience, volunteering and training.
To be eligible for the service a person needs to have:
- A significant barrier to work, volunteering or training
- Be unemployed
- Live in Conwy County
- Age 16 or over
- Wish to reach their potential and progress to paid employment.
The service will provide:
- One to one meetings with an advisor, usually in the home
- Bespoke individual and Group work based on need including
- activities to improve confidence and self esteem
- Training opportunities to improve employability skills
- Volunteering and work placement opportunities to gain practical work experience
- Help with job search and CV writing skills
- Help with job applications
- Help with interview techniques
There is no prescribed pathway, the service is needs lead and follows an individual action plan, which is developed between our advisors and the participant. Client centred achievements on the action plan are used to encourage and motivate individuals to fulfil their potential.
From August 14 to March 15, 83 people have received support from the core team, with 67 already achieving positive outcomes.
The core team and their skills have been maintained which can be utilised in any future bids to increase the capacity of the service.
Should you have any questions or queries please do not hesitate to call 01492 576360 or email: [email protected]