A MULTI-million pound project has been launched to help people furthest from the labour market get into employment.
Part of ‘Building Better Opportunities’ programme, Accelerate is aiming to support 900 of Coventry and Warwickshire’s most disadvantaged people tackle the barriers preventing them from entering work or self-employment.
The project, costing £3million, will bring together 24 partners to provide each participant with a single access point to confidence building, work experience and skills enhancement – including training in literacy, numeracy and enterprise.
With a target group of people who are unemployed, economically inactive, ex-offenders or people who are over 50 from black and minority ethnic communities (BME), the project will launch at Coventry Central Hall on Tuesday (November 29).
Tamy Matanky, who is leading the project on behalf of Coventry and Warwickshire CDA, said: “Each person will be assigned a ‘Journey Guide’ to design a tailor-made package of support to meet their individual requirements.
“The guide will remain their key point of contact and connect them with the training and support they need, bringing in specialist partners along the way.”
Already 24-strong, the partnership features experienced organisations including Groundwork West Midlands, Heart of England Mencap, Coventry Cyrenians and Volunteer Centre Nuneaton and Bedworth.
There are also ‘specialists’ on board – ranging from Action for Blind People and the Highlife Centre to Grapevine and Radio Plus.
Tamy said: “This isn’t going to be like any previous programme we’ve seen in the area.
“We want to inspire people, give them confidence and skills they can use and connect them with work placements and jobs.
“The launch event will give everyone an excellent overview of how we work.”
LEP board member Sarah Windrum, co-founder of the Emerald Group, will be speaking to the public at the event – which also features mini-workshops and information stalls – from 11am until 4pm.
Visit www.accelerate.org.uk for further information.
