Getting out of long-term unemployment is not just a case of filling in a couple of application forms and walking into the nearest job. For many, the prospect of taking on the roles and responsibilities that come with work is a daunting thought. Being out of a job over many months and years brings with it its own problems, from a crippling lack of confidence to poor physical or mental health.
Rather than being the problem of one agency a new project means various partners, charitable and statutory organisations are working together to help the long-term unemployed help themselves towards a brighter future. This new project, known as Labour Market Solutions, has been made possible thanks to the work done by the Council's Economic Development team.
Training is key to the process. Brushing up on numeracy and literacy skills is usually the beginning, leading to more specialised qualifications - which is where other organisations step in.
The Council's Tressell Training receives clients on referral from Seaview and other sources, identifies personal barriers and training needs to help clients take crucial steps forward towards employability.
Local social enterprises and charities also play vital roles. Hastings Furniture Service (HFS) (currently located in Earl Street but soon to move back to their re-built base in Dorset Place) works with volunteers and placements to provide affordable furniture for people with low incomes, collecting donated items and undertaking house clearances.
Often the placements have little or no experience of working and HFS gives them a chance to build on their CVs and gain work-based training.
If you want to find out more on Labour Market Solutions Project please telephone Seaview on 01424 717981, Hastings Borough Council on 01424 451776, Hastings Furniture Service on 01424 441112 or Tressell Southwater on 01424 717841.
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This page last updated: 22/03/2006