Schemes to help hundreds of people to find jobs or prepare them for the world of work are to receive funding thanks to the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).
Grants totalling £275,000 from the Community Challenge Fund have been awarded to 15 projects from the voluntary and community sector, with each one receiving up to £20,000. It is estimated the money will result in 228 people being employed and 467 being made work ready.
Adults and young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) will be the focus of these programmes, particularly those faced with barriers to entering employment, such as long-term unemployment, disability, homelessness, or a history of offending.
The fund, delivered in partnership with Norfolk and Suffolk Community Foundations, actively encourages innovative projects that are not seen as ‘business as usual’.
Projects awarded funding this year are:
- Action Community Enterprises CIC Limited, Norfolk
- Mancroft Advice Project (MAP), Norfolk
- Matthew Project, Norfolk
- Open Road West Norfolk, Kings Lynn
- Surrey Chapel, Norwich
- The Feed Enterprises CIC, Norfolk
- The Horticulture Industry Scheme CIC, Thetford
- The Prince’s Trust, Norwich
- Access Community Trust, Lowestoft
- Disability Advice NE Suffolk (DANES)
- Emmaus Suffolk Ltd, Ipswich
- Green Light Trust, Suffolk
- Porch Project, Hadleigh – Gt Cornard
- Suffolk Mind, Saxmundham
- Suffolk Refugee Support
Doug Field, chair of the New Anglia LEP, said: “Our inclusive growth agenda has targets around the employment rate, average wages and skills in the region, and the Community Challenge Fund directly supports those aims. It is projects on the ground like these which will make a real difference to people’s lives and help us fulfil our ambitions for the region.”
Claire Cullens, chief executive of Norfolk Community Foundation, said: “We know from our work with local charities that they make a huge difference to the life chances of vulnerable people, and those who need a little bit of extra help to move on positively.
“Our partnership with LEP highlights the vital work underway in Norfolk’s communities to help people build personal and work readiness skills and deliver real employment outcomes for those who face the greatest challenges.”
Stephen Singleton, chief executive of Suffolk Community Foundation, said: “We are delighted to be involved with this project. It continues to produce exceptional results that helps people who have significant life challenges, gain employment or, skills and confidence building that will move them nearer to the workplace.
“As a result, their lives and contribution to society are significantly improved for the better.”
For more information, contact communications executive Richard Balls on 01603 510077 or [email protected]
