Leading councillors at Chichester District Council have agreed to accept funding to extend a successful programme of getting people back into work.
Through coaching, mentoring, providing information, advice and guidance, Chichester District residents who take part in the Choose Work programme are given help to identify where they want to get to and to work out an action plan to help them get there.
Following the Cabinet meeting yesterday (1 March) the service will benefit from a further £62,857 from West Sussex Economic Recovery Fund to deliver employment and training support over the next three years.
Councillor Roy Briscoe, Cabinet Member for Community Services and Culture at Chichester District Council, says: “Periods of unemployment through a range of circumstances can be significantly detrimental to an individual’s employment opportunities and mental wellbeing.
“Providing residents with one-to-one support in identifying their employment goals through the Choose Work programme has been very successful.”
In 2020/21, despite the pressures of the pandemic, the Choose Work service supported 66 new clients – 82 per cent of whom were supported into paid employment.
“That bespoke support has helped people get into work and the new tranche of funding will also support residents through retraining into new growth areas,” says Cllr Briscoe.
Chichester District Council’s Choose Work coordinators use a variety of one-to-one mentoring, workshops and events to help clients feel more positive about the future, break down the barriers that might be stopping them from moving forward and help them to identify the next steps.
Cllr Briscoe adds: “Choose Work helps clients find what's right for them. If you are unemployed or have not worked for some time, have struggled to find work, or lack confidence in doing so then the service can help.
“Equally, if you are stuck in your current employment and hoping to find a way to move forward then the service helps clients identify their aspirations, drive and skills to help them find their place in work.
“Choose Work helps clients find what's right for them. They are supported to identify their goals, drive and skills to help them find their place in work and in life.”
For more information on the Choose Work programme, visit www.chichester.gov.uk/
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