Better Working Futures launch event

The Better Working Futures - Work and Health Programme service ran a launch event today with 80 guests from the local community at Boxpark Croydon. The team shared their plans to support 5,000 local people who face additional barriers to finding work within the next five years.

Better Working Futures provides a unique opportunity to support jobseekers who may have health issues or other barriers to find long term sustainable employment. The programme puts the participant at the centre of the journey, working with them to overcome the challenges they face either by utilising the skills and expertise we have in-house, or through our local community partners.

The programme operates over five South London Boroughs: Richmond Upon Thames, Kingston Upon Thames, Sutton, Merton and Croydon.

Each person using the service has access to:

• 1-1 Adviser support
• 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

The service already started helping some participants into work. Angelo is just one of them.

As well as managing severe dyslexia, Angelo, 26 suffered anxiety from not being able to read or write when he joined Better Working Futures. He said: “I came in to learn new skills and look for work. I got help and good feedback, when I am usually turned down from other support because my dyslexia is bad. Normally when I learn something new, I forget it. Now when I leave here I don’t forget so easily.”

Partnering with organisations in the local community is key to the programme’s success. The team will work with nine specialist organisations:

• Business in the Community - Work placements across all referral groups
• Change Please CIC - Barista work placements and training for homeless participants
• Clarion UK - Support for hearing impairment
• Forward Trust - Work placements for ex-offenders/those in recovery
• i2i - Occupational Health support
• Living Well CIC - Health and condition management support
• RNIB - Support for visual impairment
• Shelter - Telephone-based housing advice
• Turning Point - Telephone-based health and wellbeing, and mental health support.

Better Working Futures is Reed in Partnership’s name for the Work and Health Programme. The programme has been commissioned by South London Partnership and is supported by the European Social Fund. It forms 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.

To find out more, visit: bwfsouthlondon.co.uk