09.06.20
Cheshire councils secure £5.4m to boost skills and employment
Three Cheshire councils have secured £5.4m in funding from the European Social Fund (ESF) to help young people and adults into work, training or higher education.
Cheshire East, Warrington and Cheshire West and Chester Councils announced the successful bidding to the ESF yesterday (June 8), boosting social intervention work in the three regions.
Cheshire East Council will be the lead accountable body, as the three authorities deliver a new prevention and supported employment model.
Vulnerable people, equating to as many as 3,165 young people and 2,225 adults, looking to obtain work, training or further education could benefit from the funding through the two support programmes.
Specific support will be available for people aged 15-25 who are not in a job, training or education, as well as people with special educational needs, care leavers and disadvantaged adults, such as those with mental health conditions or experiencing homelessness.
READ MORE: Youth Voice Matters
READ MORE: Getting education down to a 'T'
Councillor Kathryn Flavell, Cheshire East Council Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said:
“I congratulate our public sector transformation team, hosted by Cheshire East Council, on the hard work carried out to produce this successful bid. This funding will help a great many vulnerable and marginalised young people and adults across the Cheshire and Warrington sub-region to gain employment, training or further education.
“This, in turn, will help with their self-confidence and sense of self-worth as well as building on their aspirations to fulfil their potential. The wrap-around support, advice and guidance they will receive will help to reduce the need for long-term social care or serious health issues.”
The new programme, known as ‘Journey First’ will place skilled keyworkers within specialist teams to provide considerable support to existing services, including actively seeking out vulnerable people who feel isolated or socially excluded.
The social intervention received will also be more targeted and tailored to the individual, helping to reduce dependency and vulnerability.
LISTEN: Ep. 16 Cllr Nick Forbes - Net zero and an inclusive economy