Hiyed CIC celebrates job support success

An organisation founded to support those furthest from employment into work has hit a milestone.

Bishop Auckland-based Hiyed CIC has helped more than 100 people find roles in its first 12 months.

The venture’s 20-strong team helps people with learning disabilities, mental health issues and various other challenges.

It was established by NHS mental health nurse turned social entrepreneur Tracy Fee, who was diagnosed as autistic later in life.

Realising the disability was likely the cause of several challenges she faced throughout her 30-year career, she launched Hiyed in November last year.

Providing one-to-one, tailored support, Hiyed CIC helps craft coping strategies, provides training on public transport use and helps clients complete application forms.

It has also launched an employer programme to provide disability awareness training to employers across the region.

Organisations including the NHS, Durham County Council, Karbon Homes and Northumbrian Water have tapped into the support, as have scores of smaller businesses.

Tracy said: “The majority of people we’ve supported were economically inactive, and that is where we’ve had the greatest impact.

“By helping them back into employment, we’re helping to really tackle the labour shortage and provide a huge boost to the regional economy, all while transforming lives.

“Some of the people we’ve worked with have struggled with social cues due to their autism, while others have really struggled to use computers due to their dyslexia.”

Tracy received a grant from the Social Enterprise Durham Boost programme prior to launching the social enterprise, and is continuing to receive support.

Delivered by North East BIC, Social Enterprise Durham Boost is a pilot initiative being rolled out across England – with funding from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport – to help stimulate social entrepreneurship in target areas.

Michelle Booth, North East BIC social enterprise boost manager, added: “It has been a real honour supporting Tracy.  

“She is a real inspiration and a fantastic example of how social entrepreneurs can deliver real economic and societal change while tackling real-world problems.”

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