Residents across Cambridgeshire will be supported with their employability after we received funding for a new project.
The money – secured by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority from the Department for Work and Pensions – will enable us to deliver the Connect to Work project across the region.
This project supports people with disabilities, long-term health conditions, and individuals with complex barriers to move into and maintain employment.
It’ll also provide support to those in work but at risk of losing their employment, helping them to retain their jobs.
We’ll be working closely with Cambridgeshire County Council and other delivery partners on the project.
Mairead Wright, Employment, Skills and Enterprise Manager, said: “We’ll be particularly targeting areas where long-term unemployment is at its highest, starting with Peterborough and Fenland.
“We’re pleased to be working alongside Cambridgeshire County Council to deliver this much-needed support to our customers and local residents.
“Those taking part who are unemployed can have up to 12 months of support, either remote or face-to-face with an advisor who’ll identify their skills, interests, support needs and career aspirations before completing an action plan with them.
“Employer engagement specialists will work with us to find suitable work with local businesses, with ongoing support whilst the participant settles into their new role.
“People who are employed but at risk of losing their job can also have up to four months of support.”
The funding will help us cover the costs of providing the support, including the expenses of those taking part.
We’ll also be able to recruit an additional advisor within our Employment and Skills Team.
This initial stage of the project runs until the end of the year, with the potential for the funding to continue over several years.
Liz Parsons, Director of Community Investment, added: “This is an exciting opportunity to be part of Connect to Work and to support our residents and wider communities.
“Through our new Amplius Community Investment offer, we’ll be working across our regions with our partners and our residents to develop diverse and much-needed programmes like these.”
The support will be based out of Wisbech HRS and delivered in community locations throughout Cambridgeshire.
Anyone who’s interested in finding out more can email [email protected]