Member Article

£10,000 of Coalfields cash helps job seekers hit the road with moped project

Transport scheme Wheels 2 Work County Durham is set to get job seekers motoring after securing £10,000 through the Coalfields Community Investment Programme (CCIP), delivered by the Coalfields Regeneration Trust.

With the newly acquired funds, the charity will launch an innovative new project to help the residents of Durham overcome transport restrictions and transport barriers to access employment, apprenticeships and education opportunities.

With a total fleet of 52 mopeds, Wheels 2 Work County Durham will loan out a 50cc or 125cc moped to those in need whilst also training them in road safety and the basics of vehicle maintenance. The loan also includes a helmet, high visibility vest and a heavy-duty lock, insurance, tax and breakdown cover.

Gina Davies, Project Manager of Wheels 2 Work County Durham, comments: “Many people living within our communities are unfortunately losing out on furthering their own careers and education due to the lack of reliable transport options.

“We understand that not everyone can afford their own vehicle and public transport can often be too costly or inconsistent. Without the means of traveling to find work, individuals, families and entire communities can suffer.

“With this new funding from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, however, we can increase our fleet of mopeds and give some much-needed peace of mind to the local residents by helping them fulfil all their essential travelling needs.”

Development Manager for the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, Steve Abson, comments: “As former coalmining communities sit within some of the most disadvantaged areas in the UK, the need for reliable and regular transportation facilities is vital.

“Schemes such as Wheels 2 Work County Durham provide people with the freedom and independence to explore new opportunities and access further support that would have otherwise been beyond their reach.

“Whether it’s attending a job interview, careers fair, college or training programs, providing local residents with their own reliable transport will have a significant impact on their daily lives. We are looking forward to seeing how this scheme will transform lives.”

As Wheels 2 Work County Durham has become a member of Coalfield Community Investment Programme, it will continue to be supported by the Coalfields Regeneration Trust and will receive bespoke practical support. This includes everything from access to resources and services such as help with third-party funding applications and bid-writing, to tips on effective promotion and marketing.

The Coalfields Community Investment Programme supports organisations and programmes of activity that meet with three key criteria; to address skills, employment or health and wellbeing.

Established in 1999, the Coalfields Regeneration Trust is the only organisation dedicated to supporting former mining towns and villages.

Over the years it has helped more than 2m people. More than 25,500 people have been supported into work, 5,500 jobs have been created or safeguarded, 1.3m people have received the necessary support to help improve their skills and gain qualifications and over 250,000 people have participated in activities that have improve their health.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Nick Hill .