Council announces UK Shared Prosperity Fund providers

Cheshire East Council has announced details of the three providers who will be delivering on the ‘People and Skills’ strand of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) funding across the whole of Cheshire East.

The UKSPF is a programme set up by the UK government in place of the European Social Fund and forms part of its Levelling Up agenda. The UKSPF will provide £2.6bn of funding for local investment by March 2025.

The UKSPF Fund aims to ‘Build Pride in Place and increase life chances’ across the following areas:

•              Boost productivity, pay, jobs and living standards by growing the private sector, especially in those places where they are lagging

•              Spread opportunities and improve public services, especially in those places where they are weakest

•              Restore a sense of community, local pride and belonging, especially in those places where they have been lost

•              Empower local leaders and communities, especially in those places lacking local agency.

Councillor Jill Rhodes, Cheshire East Council adults and health committee chair, said:

“This funding has brought £1.6m directly into Cheshire East to help local people improve their lives.

“We are pleased to be working directly with three new providers who we have no doubt will positively impact the lives of Cheshire East residents over the coming months.

“Supporting people to become more independent via skills courses (including digital skills) and employment support for people with more complex needs will be at the heart of these projects.”

The three new providers are:

Fedcap, a not-for-profit organisation working across the UK to provide people with opportunities that help lift them out of poverty, improve their economic wellbeing and quality of life. Fedcap will be delivering its ‘Inspiring Futures Programme’ offering employment support for those who are economically inactive and would like support to get back into the workplace. 

Brian Bell, Fedcap chief executive officer, said:

“We’re really pleased to be working with Cheshire East Council on this exciting new project to support economically inactive people into sustainable employment.

“We understand the difficulties people face when looking for work and staying in a job. Our Inspiring Futures programme can help people find work that suits their circumstances and ensure work contributes to them enjoying a healthy life.”

Cheshire Learning Partnership, is a community interest company established in 2003 whose purpose is to help Cheshire East residents improve their ICT, employability and communication skills to move forward in their journey towards long-term employment. Cheshire Learning Partnership will be delivering its ‘Digital Inclusion Project’ offering accredited qualifications that are recognised in the workplace as proof of competent and efficient computer skills.

Managing director Adele Cook, said:

"We’re really looking forward to delivering this new project in partnership with Cheshire East Council.

“Having the right digital skills is now vital when looking for work and through this project we hope to give individuals the skills they need to succeed.”

Focusing First on People is a not-for-profit company based in Cheshire, Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham. Established in 2006 they help enrich the lives of people from disadvantaged backgrounds and helping those people with multiple barriers access training and employment. Focusing First on People will be delivering its ‘Skills Courses’ including basic, life and career skills to increase life chances and improve pride of those living in the area.

Abdi Yusuf, director, said: “We are excited to be working with Cheshire East Council on this new project.

“We have a strong track record of working with BAME communities and directly with SMEs in the area and we have built long-term relationships following a successful community and business engagement model which directly benefits those with multiple barriers seeking employment.”