People in Calderdale are set to benefit from new initiatives to help them reach their potential, providing support and skills to access job opportunities or enable a return to work.
Over 32% of people aged 16-64 in Calderdale are unable to work due to long-term health problems. This is higher than both the West Yorkshire and England rates. People can also be held back by other factors such as caring responsibilities or lack of skills.
Calderdale is one of eight pilot areas in England and Wales to receive Government funding to improve people’s health and subsequently support them into employment. Calderdale is also one of three areas to receive additional funding to support people who are employed but not currently well enough to work, to return to work.
Funding is now being awarded to local community and voluntary groups to deliver initiatives which will help local people overcome barriers to work, or receive the support needed to return to work. This could include CV writing, one-to-one mentoring, and health and wellbeing support.
Ten local organisations have successfully bid for funding. These are:
- Halifax Opportunities Trust
- Invictus Wellbeing
- C&K Careers
- Proper Job Theatre Company
- Happy Days Ministries UK
- Newground Together:
- Verd de gris Arts
- St.George’s Community Trust
- Colt Enterprise (Calderdale)
- St. Augustine’s
Calderdale Council is supporting the delivery of the activity as part of Healthy Working Life, a joint programme of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care. Find out more at Healthy Working Life :: West Yorkshire Health & Care Partnership(external link) The grant application process has been managed by the Community Foundation for Calderdale.
Work will now take place to set up the community-based schemes and identify the people who will benefit most from support.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, Cllr Sarah Courtney, said:
“We have a strong local economy, but we understand that individually many people can face challenges accessing employment. As part of our priority to reduce inequalities, we’re committed to helping people to reach their potential, living healthy lives and having the opportunities they need.
“Working with our partner organisations across all sectors, we want to help people to overcome the things that might be holding them back, whether it’s tackling skills shortages, or supporting people with health conditions.
“Our voluntary sector partners are so important to this ambition and by having support available within our local communities, we can help more people. This is a chance to make a real difference and provide joined up support to give people the best opportunities in life.”