Social housing residents across the North East are starting an exciting new career journey through the New Start employment support programme.
52 residents have secured a five-month paid work placement with one of 28 regional employers, giving them the opportunity to explore a career starter role and gain new skills.
New Start is a is a partnership between social housing providers in the region, designed to help residents overcome the biggest barriers to getting into employment and explore a new career direction.
Jonathan Walton from Newcastle is starting a role with the Ouseburn Farm charity, supporting adult with learning difficulties, something that’s close to his heart.
Jonathan said: “Previously I’ve had roles in customer services and IT support. I’d never thought of going for this kind of work before but my younger brother has learning difficulties so I‘ve got experience helping people in similar situations.
“New Start encouraged me to consider it and opened that door for me.
“The comprehensiveness of the New Start course really helped. There are so many job opportunities and there isn’t as much competition for the roles so it feels more comfortable and less intense. I’d recommend to other people.”
Now in its fourth year, the scheme, developed by the Housing Employment Network North East (HENNE), has supported over 250 people from across the North East to find paid career starter placements. HENNE is a partnership of 12 North East social housing providers, supporting tenants and residents towards work.
With no prior experience needed and ongoing support from an employment advisor, the programme has not only brought benefits to the applicants but has helped local businesses unlock potential in a previously unexplored workforce.
Philip Pollard, Assistant Director of Customer and Community Engagement at Karbon Homes, said: “At Karbon our mission is to build strong foundations for life and help our customers and communities to thrive.
“Breaking down barriers to employment is a huge part of this.
“We want to help people to build their skills, confidence and experience and encourage them to embrace new opportunities that in turn help increase their household income.
“Collaboration is key when it comes to delivering programmes like this. Through working with other social housing providers in the region, we’ve harnessed our collective knowledge and experience to help more of our social housing residents to reach their potential.”
The New Start programme in the North of Tyne area is funded by the UK government through the North East Combined Authority, with funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It’s a partnership between Karbon Homes, Bernicia, Newcastle City Council and North Tyneside Council, all of which work cohesively together as part of the HENNE.
21 of the placements are based in the North of Tyne area and funded by the UK government through the North East Combined Authority, with funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The remaining seven are in South Tyneside and also funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The project is supported by South Tyneside Council and is a partnership between Karbon Homes and HENNE.
Main image: New Start candidates get ready to embark on their five month placements with the programme
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