We are delighted to be part of a pilot project offering community-led employment support, which fittingly launched in Liverpool on Employability Day 2024!
Jobs Plus has been set up by Plus Dane in partnership with Transform Lives and supported by Liverpool in Work and First Person Project, to assist local residents in the Toxteth area looking for work.
Funded by the Department of Work and Pensions, out community hub in Toxteth is the base of one of ten pilot sites in the UK taking part in the initiative, targeting areas of high unemployment.
The model for Jobs Plus has come from the USA where it has a proven record of success in increasing employment and earnings for those who take part. It uses a community development and person-led approach to supporting people into employment or into better employment opportunities.
Jobs Plus has three key components: A community hub providing a ‘one-stop-shop’ for local residents looking for work; a ‘saturation approach’ to boost engagement, by encouraging community champions to share information; and the offer of financial incentives - like in-work credit or a back-to-work bonus - to ensure that work pays.
The project was launched by Cllr Rahima Farah at an event at the Irene Milson Resource Centre in Kelvin Grove – the community hub of the project that is owned by Plus Dane.
Ian Reed, chief executive of Plus Dane Housing, said: “We know the value in supporting people to have a decent home and a job – these are the basic underpinning features of a good life. When one fails it has a big impact; if both fail it can be catastrophic. The important thing is to work on both simultaneously. The Jobs Plus project is really exciting and we want to be part of how this develops into more hubs like this.”
Liverpool city centre-based social enterprise Transform Lives Company will lead on the delivery of Jobs Plus.
Managing director Tracy Fishwick said: “Jobs Plus is a unique ‘one-stop-hub’ for local people, supporting anyone regardless of employment status, with jobs, careers, volunteering opportunities and training. Drop in and see us for a confidential chat.”
Supporting the delivery of the project will be Toxteth-based mental health Community Interest Company First Person Project, and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s employment support service Liverpool in Work.
Jobs Plus will be available to anyone in the local area around the hub. You can drop in, call (07470 792 605) or email (admin@transform-lives.org) to arrange a confidential appointment, friendly and informal chat.
Celebrating its ninth year, Employability Day 2024 promises to be the important one yet. Against the backdrop of social, political and economic changes, Friday 13th September, presents an opportunity for the whole sector to come together and showcase the impactful work on individuals and communities we’ve achieved over the past few years. #WorkingForBetterWork #EmpDay24
