Springboard Cheshire: New programme offers chance for unemployed people to bounce back into work

Unemployed people in Cheshire have the chance to bounce back into work and quickly get into a fulfilling long-term career through a new programme.

Springboard Cheshire provides free one to one personalised support from an expert employment advisor to unemployed people so they can quickly start their new career. The advisors will work with participants to build their confidence and skills and get applying for jobs, as well as providing practical support and training on things like developing a CV, interview technique and digital skills.

Participants will also have the chance to easily access a range of diverse job roles at small and medium sized local businesses, potentially leading to a permanent full-time job. This is thanks to £375,000 of subsidised wages which will be on offer to participants.

While Springboard aims to get people into employment as quickly as possible, it’s about finding a role that is right for them so they can stay in their new career.

Springboard Cheshire is being led by Torus Foundation with the support of a range of partners from across Cheshire and Warrington. It is being funded by the European Social Fund (ESF), Torus Foundation and partners.

Tracey Walsh, Head of Employment and Skills at Torus Foundation, said: “Springboard is all about helping people to bounce back into work – and quickly.

“We know the last 18 months have been challenging for so many people and it doesn’t matter if you’ve been made redundant, are just out of college or have decided it’s time for a career change, we’re here to help you to get into that role that’s right for you.

“We’ll work together, using our expertise and your skills to start your new career. There’s such a diverse range of roles out there, many of which you may never have thought of or thought you weren’t suitable for, but we’re here to show you those roles can be for you and to help you get in them and stay in them.”

As well as supporting people to get into good quality employment, Springboard also provides opportunities for businesses.

Tracey added: “While our priority is helping people back into work, we know businesses have roles right now and through Springboard, we have the people they need. It will enable them to access a local talent pool that is right for their business, so they can get the staff they need quickly.”

For more information about Springboard, including how to register go to:

www.torusfoundation.org.uk/springboard.

About Torus Foundation

Torus Foundation is the charitable arm of growth and regeneration group Torus. As the North West’s largest affordable homes provider with a strong social purpose, Torus invests the Group’s commercial profits into the Foundation.

Torus Foundation’s work is all about developing sustainable partnerships with people and places to create a platform for lasting change. Striving to create better connected, independent and sustainable neighbourhoods, the Foundation supports people to play an active part in strong local communities.

A varied programme of support focuses on employment and skills, health and wellbeing, digital and financial inclusion, along with young people.

The Foundation works with a broad range of customers, all ages and abilities are supported to take up new life changes, to grow and to thrive.

Partners

The following partners are supporting Torus Foundation in delivering Springboard:

Blue Orchid Enterprise Solutions

Career Connect

Guinness Partnership

Making Space

Plus Dane

Primary Care Cheshire

Warrington Disability Partnership

Weaver Vale Housing Trust

Your Housing

About the European Social Fund

Springboard Cheshire has received £1.3million of funding from the European Social Fund as part of the 2014 to 2020 European Structural and Investment Growth Programme in England. The Department for Work and Pensions (and in London the intermediate body Greater London Authority) is the Managing Authority for the England European Social Fund programme. Established by the European Union, the European Social Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support skills development, employment and job creation, social inclusion and local community regenerations.  For more information visit:

https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding