100th paid job outcome for the Self Employment team
As part of Restart in South Yorkshire, the Self Employment team is a small group of colleagues sharing knowledge and best practice on a on a daily basis. The team support individuals who have a dream and desire for self employment.
The GC team is comprised of Julie Blount (S/E Adviser Rotherham / Barnsley / Doncaster), Mellissa Hurst (S/E Adviser Sheffield & In Work Support), and Erica Smith (S/E Sheffield), supported by Barry Bradley (Service Manager) and Michelle Jeffrey (Lead Employment Adviser).
Earlier this month (January 2024), the team achieved their 100th paid job outcome. This is achieved once a participant has started self employment and has been continuously trading for 6 months or longer. This has been a fantastic milestone to be achieved within Restart and supporting local residents across the region.
Mellissa explained what this milestone means to her: "I'm very proud of the achievement and I've enjoyed sharing the journey with my participants to a successful conclusion. I could assist them with overcoming many self-employment barriers and help them with their needs across many sectors because the support available was incredibly diverse."
Erica has only joined the team this month, but is already looking forward to what performance we face as we try to make a positive difference within the team.
Julie told us: "I feel the success has provided a secure base to build on going forward and has shown that the interventions we have in place are yielding results month-on-month. Empowering others is something that is done daily and provides great job satisfaction all-round."
The self-employment team as a whole are thankful for the support from both Barry and Michelle and feel that they are in a perfect position to build on success!
GC's Yorkshire CFO Activity Hubs win three awards for their work with people on probation
Our Yorkshire Creating Future Opportunities (CFO) Activity Hub teams won three awards at the CFO Celebration Awards 2024.
The awards recognise achievements at HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) CFO Activity Hubs across the country. The hubs provide a safe space where people on probation can engage in a range of social, creative, and group activities.
Nominated in five categories, our teams were celebrated for their commitment to supporting individuals across Yorkshire.
The Sheffield CFO Activity Hub team took home the Women's Award for their specialised workshops supporting women on probation in South Yorkshire.
The Sheffield team also won the Sustainability Award for the development of an allotment project. The allotment enables participants to improve their mental health and wellbeing and work as a team, as well as providing food for cooking sessions at the Hub and surplus donations to local foodbanks.
The Creative Arts Award went to the Yorkshire CFO Activity Hubs and Koestler award-winning artist Kevin Devonport, who tutors local individuals and leads community art classes at our CFO Hub in Leeds.
Speaking after the awards ceremony, Kelly Francis, Justice Operations Manager at the GC, said:
“The colleagues at our Yorkshire CFO Activity Hubs go above and beyond to help individuals get back on track and overcome barriers.
“They deliver an important service and make a hugely positive impact on the local community, so it’s wonderful to see their dedication and selfless work recognised at this year’s CFO awards.”