UKSPF Working Well: Support to Succeed is a new programme of activity which identifies, engages and supports economically inactive GM residents (aged 19 and over) who are furthest away from the labour market, with complex needs (including those who are not engaged with mainstream provision) to address barriers and achieve positive onward destinations. The programme also has a dedicated offer for economically inactive residents aged over 50 who experience age-related challenges.
Last November, we announced that GC will deliver the programme from January 2024, and since launch, the team have hit their programme start targets in the first month.
Support to Succeed delivery is based around a set of ‘Key Principles’ and a ‘Menu of Interventions’ and activity which will attract residents from some of GM’s hardest to reach communities who are not currently accessing the support they need to overcome barriers, helping them to them make positive progressions towards their goals and aspirations.
Advancing equality and reducing social isolation are key drivers for Support to Succeed and participants will be able to access person-centred, one-to-one support via a Key Worker to enable them to participate in activities which have a positive impact on their life, address personal challenges and needs, and improve their life chances.
Following the success of the programme, colleagues from the GC Employment team explained how the programme is going, what it means to them, and what they've learned so far:
Alyssia Edwards, Integration Co-ordinator in the Partnerships team told us:
"Having previously worked on employment programmes, I really understood the need for a provision which wasn’t centred solely around employment as the end goal. For this reason, I was excited to join the Support to Succeed Programme, which aims to help people to build their confidence and become less socially isolated.
"It's been amazing to see the positive response, both from referral partners and individuals, when describing the programme, and it is clear to see that many will benefit! The fact that we managed to hit our programme start target in month 1 is a great example of this."
Gary Kelly Finance, Benefit and Debt advisor said:
"Since I started at GC on the 18th December, I've felt like part of the team. The level of support and comradery from the managers and colleagues alike was like nothing I had experienced before. Everyone was welcoming.
"After completing the required Induction Training, I was issued with a laptop and phone. I have since been able to establish myself in the office and have travelled to other offices to see clients who have been booked in for my help.
"I've also been encouraged to go out into the community with the Engagement team to visit drop in centres for the homeless to provide benefits advice. Currently I'm liaising with the Supply Chain team with a view to visiting some of them to help their clients. This is a huge boost to my confidence and abilities, and I hope to utilise my current skills and enhance others.
"All in all, I am extremely happy at GC and I look forward to working here for some time to come."
Photo from colleague training course.