Barriers to finding work can be different for everyone, sometimes they are linked to self-esteem or past experience and sometimes they are simply financial. In the case of Paul, a Driver with a Class 2 HGV licence, he was struggling to get back into employment due to not having his up to date CPC training – a legal requirement for Drivers to undertake. Without access to funds to undertake the training, Paul found himself stuck and wasn’t sure where to turn for his next steps. He approached our team for support and was allocated an Employment Advisor from our Inspire team.

As Paul required additional support with funds to enable him to move forward, he was also introduced to our Hopeful Families provision which allowed him to gain access to the Lottery & ESF funding available to help him with his training. His Advisor arranged for the training to take place, supporting him to enrol and ensuring he had the right equipment to engage and pass.

Paul passed with ease and once he had his pass certificate in place he was then introduced to our Employer Engagement Officer who matched him to a local employer recruiting Drivers – he started his new job the very next day!

Lisa Connelly, Employment Services Coordinator says: ‘this is a perfect example of our wraparound approach and how we work collectively as a team to work with individuals looking for employment. Our funding is provided to help people who find themselves unemployed break down barriers and move forward. I am always proud of my team working together effectively to create opportunities for our community. Well done all – especially Paul!’

If you are unemployed and would like support with your job search, please get in touch with our friendly team on 01422 347392 or employment@regen.org.uk

Hopeful Families is joint funded by National Lottery Community Fund and European Social Fund.