Stories, reflection and learning from the NTW partnership
Skills and employability
Outcome: People further away from the labour market will be accessing supported training opportunities matched to their skills and interests and employer needs. People will be in sustainable employment in a vibrant local economy.
Skills connectors, the training connector and the volunteer co-ordinator helped individuals to identify their interests and skills, created 'taster' sessions in local workplaces and within community projects for people who are long term unemployed and supported volunteering and work placements, in order to help people into sustainable work.
They worked alongside the BBO programme at East Coast College and with local businesses to create new opportunities for work. For those currently not ready, volunteering helped people gain confidence before they applied for paid work.
| Output indicator | Achieved | Target |
|---|---|---|
| People report improvement in level of skills, and confidence in use of skills, following completion of at least one training session | 805 | 750 |
| People will have overcome issues preventing them from getting and holding down a job, resulting in them sustaining employment | 158 | 150 |
| People with complex needs report improved confidence competing for jobs following at least one volunteer position/'taster' day/ work placement | 283 | 200 |
Paula's Story
I knew straightaway that the team at MESH would help me regain my confidence and independence, and they haven't let me down!
Paula has worked in shops all her life. Her friendly, bubbly personality and conscientious nature makes her the perfect fit and she loves this type of work. Most recently Paula worked in a shop in Yarmouth town centre selling quality chocolates.
A traumatic set of events occurred in Paula's life; the shop closed down, Paula was taken seriously ill and required major surgery and she lost her husband. She hit an all-time low. Her confidence suffered and she began to experience anxiety. The doctor was able to help with counselling and medication, but Paula knew that the MESH office was another place she could seek support, because she had worked with Skills Connector Donna during an earlier episode of unemployment. Paula went to MESH and had a conversation with Community Development Worker Alan about the impact the bereavement had on her granddaughter and he introduced her to Norfolk based charity Nelson's Journey, who were able to help her through this difficult time.
Paula was receiving Employment Support Allowance because she had been assessed as too unwell to work. However it was stopped suddenly and she needed to apply for Universal Credit. She didn't have a computer or IT skills. Her children helped set up her account but she still needed help from Donna to keep on top of the online requirements of UC. Life Connector Nancy supported her if Donna wasn't available. Donna introduced Paula to Training Connector Tim, and she completed the IT Beginners course, giving her more independence when managing her UC account.
Paula's health slowly began to improve and she became able to manage her mental health. Although not ready for the responsibility of paid employment, Paula wanted to work, making volunteering an ideal option. Donna helped Paula explore volunteering opportunities she settled on working in the Barnardo's charity shop a natural fit and a job she loves.
Paula was still required to sign on at Job Centre Plus (JCP) but her work coach, Ros, had a good relationship with both Paula and Donna. Ros recognised that Paula was working towards employment at a pace appropriate to her health and wellbeing and was in full support of the work she was doing with Donna. Paula really wanted a paid job to come up, in the meantime she did all she could to make the shop a success. Her contribution was highly valued by the shop manager.
