Better Working Futures NE launch events

The North East and South Yorkshire Better Working Futures teams celebrated their first three months of service with 232 guests from the local community in 11 offices last week. We welcomed guests in Rotherham, Doncaster, Barnsley, Bradford, Sheffield, Chesterfield, Derby, Huddersfield, Wakefield and our two Leeds offices to share our plans to support 55,000 people who face additional barriers to finding work in their local community.

A variety of our partnering services joined us; from Turning Point in Wakefield to Barnados in Bradford. Participants are referred through the Job Centre Plus, so it was a great opportunity for them to come along and see how we work. At each event staff shared what we offer participants to ensure success:

• 1-1 adviser support for every participant
• Local integration using other expert services
• Our specialist health and wellbeing adviser service
• Our Online Portal for training success
• Our strong employer relationships and local connections
• Self-employment support to reflect the rise in those becoming entrepreneurs

In only three months, the service has already had an impact for local people. The team introduction and presentations were supported by participants (Gareth and Andrew, above). After three years of looking, Gareth has found work through BWF after just three months. Andrew is being supported by our dedicated self-employment Adviser to develop his own IT business.

Gareth said:

“The team here [in Sheffield] are great, they have done a lot for me. I am looking forward to starting my new role because I know the team will continue supporting me.”

In Doncaster, Malcolm, 53 had been struggling to apply for his first ever job when he come in to his local office. His adviser Charlotte set him up with internal training to make him feel more at ease in the workplace and he started applying for jobs. After a great interview, he started his new job the next day.

Better Working Futures is Reed in Partnership’s name for the Work and Health Programme. Supported by the European Social Fund, it is part of a wider package of support for disabled people announced by the government and aims to bring jobseekers, support provision and employers together to provide greater opportunities for those looking for work.