Council launches pan-Cheshire jobs and training support programme for young people and adults

Cheshire East Council has launched a new jobs and training support programme to help more than 5,000 young people and adults across the county to achieve their goals.

Working with two other councils – Cheshire West and Chester Council and Warrington Borough Council – Cheshire East will deliver a tailored social intervention programme with one-to-one engagement with young people and adults seeking opportunities for work or training.

Funded by the European Social Fund, the programme will be known as Journey First and is designed to help young people who are not in work, education or training.

A team of employment support workers will be on hand to give targeted individual support and advice designed to help them achieve their goals and aspirations for work, training or further education.

Despite the pandemic, service users will still be able to access Journey First and its support team, either by email or by calling the number below*.

Councillor Kathryn Flavell, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for children and families, said: “Sadly, there are many young people across Cheshire who are  struggling to find work or to access the kind of education and training that would help them to progress in life, including individuals with long-term disabilities, mental health conditions or even homelessness.

“As the country continues to face the huge economic impact of the pandemic, this programme has taken on even greater importance as we do not want to see these young people fall by the wayside and become the forgotten victims in the scramble for jobs.”

Councillor Robert Cernik, Cheshire West and Chester Council cabinet member for children and families, said: “We are delighted to be a part of the Journey First project, working together with the sub-region to strive for the best for our local families, individuals and young people.

“The pandemic is a particularly difficult time for many residents across Cheshire and Warrington and this project is vital in providing one-to-one support, helping those adults and young people to make a real difference to their lives.”

Councillor Matt Smith, Warrington Borough Council cabinet member for children’s services, said: “The programme makes a real difference, creating new opportunities by giving people who are not in work, training or education, confidence through personalised one-to-one support, providing skills and tailored employment advice and guiding individuals through the employment process.

“It is especially important at this time as the financial impact of Covid is being felt.”

Journey First is specifically aimed at vulnerable young people and adults, aged 16-24, cared for children, care leavers and adults disadvantaged by long-term unemployment or disabilities.

To find out more about Journey First visit:

https://livewellservices.cheshireeast.gov.uk/Services/5995

*Or you can contact Journey First via email: journeyfirst@cheshireeast.gov.uk

or call 07814 079458.