South East Cornwall Receives European Funding For Skills

A project to promote social inclusion and combat poverty in South East Cornwall has received £4m of European Social Funding from the Big Lottery Building Better Opportunities project.  The funding will enable a programme of support that will help people improve their employability skills and progression into employment.  The investment is part of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Growth Programme.

“Positive People” is the name of the project which aims to tackle multiple needs to improve employability. Pluss, the lead delivery organisation, will work with people who face multiple barriers and/or multiple disadvantages in the labour market. They will also tackle youth unemployment where the risk of young people becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training) is high.

The primary focus is on individuals who are economically inactive.  Unemployed participants should have been unemployed for more than 12 months (if over 25, under 25 six months) This includes, but is not limited to: people with disabilities; people aged 50 and over; people who are homeless or in housing need; people from Black and Minority Ethnic communities.  All participants must live in the South East Cornwall area.

Sandra Rothwell, Cornwall Council’s head of Economic Growth and Development and Chief Executive of the Local Enterprise Partnership said, “skills development is hugely important for everyone in Cornwall but particularly so for those who face challenging circumstances.  If this project can help those with multiple barriers to employment then we can not only support people into work, but also improve their quality of life for them and their families”.

Zena Gardener, Partnership Manager at Pluss said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the residents of Cornwall, we aim to engage with local communities and raise awareness of the project.  We know that innovation is key to reaching out to people, we are planning some interesting and fun events to inspire and engage people”

If you are 19 or over and live in South East Cornwall area and would like to access the Positive People programme or you know someone who would, please contact Zena on 07442 497186 / zena.gardener@pluss.org.uk