Project's boost for local adults

The new project, being delivered across the region by the Doing Good Business Partnership, is designed to tackle the root causes of poverty, promote social inclusion and drive local jobs and growth.

The project has has received up to £546,300 of funding from through Building Better Opportunities, a programme jointly funded by the European Social Fund and the Big Lottery Fund. It will focus on the engagement of participants at a neighbourhood level, with the partner organisations bringing a strong knowledge of the local area and issues that people face whilst trying to gain employment.

Lynne Hilson, operations manager at Sheffield Futures, said: “Doing Good Business promises to help the hardest to reach people to make the most of their skills and ambitions by receiving the maximum help and support they need. The funding is an important step towards positive change for unemployed people in Sheffield City Region.”

The two-year initiative focuses on community engagement, mentoring and coaching support. Participants aged 25 – 60 will be involved in activities to build confidence and establish entrepreneurial skills, as well as progressing in to further education. The rate of unemployment in Sheffield is currently 6.2 per cent, above the national average of 5.1 per cent.

The European Social Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support skills development, job creation, social inclusion and regeneration. This project will support peopple with a disability, women, BAME groups, lone parents, carers and those over 50.

Visit www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding for details.