After being re-elected last weekend, the Mayor of West Yorkshire has confirmed that an investment package will be committed to making ‘life easier for those who find it the hardest.’
People who struggle to secure good employment due to their age, health condition, disability, or personal circumstances are being supported by a near £10 million investment package, which follows the mayor’s election pledge of building a region of learning and creativity.
That pledge will make sure that everyone in the region is backed as they follow their passions and try to reach their full potential. Six new projects will be delivered through the funding, with those set to benefit including single parents, people with low digital skills, people who have faced discrimination, and those with criminal convictions.
West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said:
“There are too many people at a disadvantage when it comes to finding and keeping work, so I’m delighted to get these new initiatives off the ground as part of our focus on a region of learning.
“I want everyone in West Yorkshire to have the skills and opportunities they need to succeed, regardless of their personal circumstances.
“Providing tailored support for people to smash down the barriers they face will help us to grow our economy and build a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire that works for all.”
The projects that will be delivered are:
- A pilot in collaboration with Bradford Council and local community and outpatient health services to support those with long Covid as they return to work.
- An initiative to allow those in Leeds, Bradford and Wakefield to buy discounted groceries whilst also accessing grants for expenses such as travel and childcare as they look to get back into work.
- Grant funding for voluntary and community organisations to use extensive local knowledge and relationships to support those who need it the most.
- Helping those with health-related challenges to get back into work, with training being offered to frontline staff.
- The Education Development Trust launching two projects, with one supporting young people into further education or employment, and the other looking to break down health barriers to employment.
Investment will be part-funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, as it aims to support the reduction of inequality, growing the economy, and confidence boosting throughout communities.
Image credit: iStock
