THE ACCELERATE project, which has helped thousands of disadvantaged people in Coventry and Warwickshire find employment, is under threat of closure unless funding is found over the winter.
The project, which is managed by not-for-profit organisation Coventry and Warwickshire CDA, sees local organisations come together in a partnership to provide support for those that are at a disadvantage when looking for work.
The project was set up in 2016 and has supported 2,054 people towards getting a job, including 892 with disabilities, 688 from ethnic minorities and 538 aged 50 or over.
Of those, 1,411 said they felt more confident and ready for the path to employment at the end of the project.
Support for people includes mental health and well-being help as well as building confidence and skills through cooking, craft or online courses.
It has used the European Social Fund and the National Lottery Community Fund to finance its support, but that cash will expire in March, and currently, no replacement funding is in place.
The funding from Europe will be replaced by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, but there will be a year’s gap for employment support to come in.
Coventry and Warwickshire CDA Operations Manager, Mandy Bygrave, said this could be ‘catastrophic for the voluntary sector.’
“The implications could not be more serious for the project and the many people which it supports and helps towards life-transforming career pathways.
“If we are to continue beyond next spring, we require further funding.
“It is a life-changing programme for those furthest from the job market, so please if anyone can help us find more funding so we can keep supporting people that really need it we would be incredibly grateful.”
Coventry’s Deputy Mayor, Coun Jaswant Singh Birdi added: “Even in the dark days of the pandemic, Accelerate was there to help people in most need, to build their confidence and give them the tools to become a valuable part of the community.
“We need to find a way to ensure their wonderful work continues in the years ahead.”
