Boost for project aiming to get people back into work
A community group in Walsall has won almost £20,000 to run a project aimed at getting residents back to work.
Ryecroft Neighbourhood Resource Centre has received funding for its Healthy Mind Healthy Body programme offering practical courses to improve participants’ employability.
These include PAT testing competency and Introduction to Android App Design.
The £19,135 windfall comes from ESF Black Country Community Grants.
Centre director Dave Taylor said he was "delighted" with the sum.
The six-month programme has been designed with the needs of local residents in mind. The courses will give experience of a range of practical skills, with learners also having free access to the centre's gym.
The fund, for small Black Country voluntary sector organisations, opened in June.
Deputy leader of Walsall Council, Councillor Adrian Andrew said: "It is fantastic to see the uptake of the ESF Community Grants Programme in the Black Country.
"This programme provides the type of support that the council and the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership has identified as crucial to getting local residents furthest removed from the labour market into work.
"In partnership with the Education & Skills Funding Agency and European Social Fund, we are helping grass-roots organisations reach out and make a real impact on local people’s lives.”
The fund is open until July 2021 and is currently accepting applications. Third sector and not for profit groups that help improve the skills and job prospects of local residents are welcome to apply.
To be eligible organisations need to have an annual income below £300,000 and demonstrate an innovative approach to helping people who are out of work or disadvantaged learn new skills and move closer to the workforce.
Applications can be made to Walsall Council who successfully tendered to act as the local Grant Co-ordinating Body on behalf of the ESFA for the second time running.
Application materials, eligibility criteria and guidance are available by contacting Walsall Council External Funding Team or can be downloaded at www.bcta.org.uk
The Community Grants team are available to offer support to organisations interested in making an application. To discuss a project, contact Community Grant Manager Ruth Burgess communitygrants@walsall.gov.uk
