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A new programme of support to help people aged 19 and over with complex needs into employment will launch in Greater Manchester in January 2024.
The Growth Company has been awarded the contract to deliver the Support to Succeed programme, working with adults in the city-region experiencing or at risk of long-term unemployment. The programme has been commissioned by Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), and backed by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which replaces previous EU funding schemes.
Shared to Succeed forms part of GMCA’s wider Working Well initiative, first launched in 2014, a comprehensive employment and health offer, which provides wraparound support across a wide spectrum of need.
Through the scheme, the Growth Company will offer person-centred, one-to-one support with work experience, life skills and employability skills, from CV writing to job application and interview preparation, with the aim of addressing and overcoming barriers preventing employment and progressing towards goals and aspirations. Dedicated support for residents over the age of 50 experiencing age-related challenges, such as concerns about returning to work or developing new skills, also forms part of the Shared to Success support.
Andy Roberts, Director of Employment for Greater Manchester at the Growth Company said:
“This programme will support individuals in hard-to-reach communities who are not currently employed or seeking work, by addressing personal challenges and barriers to employment, from mental health problems to caring responsibilities.
“By highlighting the key benefits of being employed, such as a sense of purpose, increased income and social interaction, Support to Succeed will positively impact the lives of people across Greater Manchester by advancing equalities and improving prospects.”
Support will be offered flexibly over a timescale agreed between participants and The Growth Company dependent on their needs and aspirations. The scheme will launch in January 2024, and individuals interested in taking part can pre-register via email. Priority groups for the scheme include:
- People experiencing homelessness
- Those with caring responsibilities
- Health and/or disability barriers
- Offenders/ex-offenders
- Survivors of domestic abuse
- People dealing with substance misuse
- Armed forces personnel and/or their partners
- People experiencing racial inequalities
- Individuals with low basic workplace skills
- People aged 50 and over