£4.8 million in European funding for Hull projects

Hull community projects are beginning to bear the fruits of a £4.8 million European funding programme - increased to £7.5 million with match-funding.

Ten ventures are benefitting from European Structural and Investment Funds, secured by the city to run a Community Led Local Development (CLLD) programme.

The programme has been designed to help people find work, build work-related skills, offer support to increase household incomes and support local businesses. It is overseen by a Local Action Group Board, comprising members of the public sector plus voluntary, community and social enterprise sectors, businesses and residents.

The board approved the project proposals of a number local organisations, with a total value of more than £2 million, which will benefit the most disadvantaged areas of Hull.

Councillor Daren Hale, Hull City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economic Investment, said: “The CLLD programme gives us the opportunity to put significant investment into community activity. By investing in our communities in this way, we will improve employment related skills and confidence, so that everyone has the opportunity to engage with and benefit from the city’s recent economic growth and success.”

The projects funded in round one, which have started or are about to start supporting people who face barriers to gaining skills or employment, are:

•      Best Hope will provide back-to-work skills, accredited vocational training in areas such as catering, health and social care and hair and beauty, plus business start-up support.

•      CatZero will provide a 12-week training and skills programme which will include activities to improve confidence, problem-solving and motivation. Practical training on health and safety, survival and working in confined space will culminate in a life-changing sailing experience on the charity’s yacht, The CatZero, before the final phase of the programme supports people into work.

•      Enviromail Ltd will provide 16 weeks of work experience in their recycling hub, along with support with maths, English and IT skills and support to access other services such as housing advice or mental health services if needed.

•      Unity Training will provide up to six months of support, including maths, English, digital skills, in work support and training. Twice-weekly job clubs will be offered as well as help to access other services.

•      Goodwin Development Trust work with people to develop a 12-week individual support plan, including help job search, placements to develop skills, workshops and one-to-one advice. Participants will also have access to affordable food and a range of support via the Pantry.

•      Emmaus Hull will provide up to eight months support focusing on employability skills but also other life skills such as managing a tenancy and budgeting. Training will be offered in catering, warehouse work, logistics, recycling and health and safety and the project will have links to local employers.

•      Offploy CIC will use peer mentors to help people identify their skills and employment ambitions and develop their own individual six-month training and skills plan. People will then be supported to access jobs with one of several local employers.

•      RDS Training will provide the training, skills and licences required to work in the security, customer service, events stewarding or CCTV sectors, working with local employers to help people secure jobs in these sectors.

•      Giroscope will use structured volunteer programmes including construction, house renovation, gardening and bicycle repair and maintenance to help build employability skills such as managing responsibilities, following instructions and meeting deadlines. Training in literacy, numeracy and digital skills as well as practical training in first aid, asbestos awareness and manual handling will lead onto job search support.

•      TJ Training will utilise mentors and tutors to provide a six-week programme of support to help unemployed people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds to apply for jobs or volunteer placements, attend job fairs and develop their CV. Literacy, numeracy and English as a second language classes will be provided, and the project will link with local employers.

Round two of the programme will open on 2 January next year. Potential applicants are invited to attend one of the information events taking place throughout November, beginning on 7 November with an event at the Guildhall.

Find event and booking information, plus more details on the CLLD grant programme, at www.hlc-vol.org/clld.