‘Life changing’ scheme helps people back to work

An employment support scheme is helping people in Tees Valley take their first steps into work.

The Tees Valley Move Forward – New Start initiative, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, is being delivered on behalf of the Tees Valley mayor and combined authority by a partnership of North East housing associations, which includes Thirteen, Beyond Housing, Home Group, Karbon Homes and North Star Housing.

The scheme offers placements to those without prior experience, aiming to break down employment barriers and create new career pathways in the region.

It has already supported 40 people into placements with 12 employers, including roofing firms, cafés and care providers.

One of those to benefit is Rachel Heads, 32, from Ingleby Barwick, who is completing a placement at the Flavours Coffee House café, in Stockton.

She said: “Being out of work made me feel sad and bored. 

“It’s not easy to get a job.

“Before I worked here, I’d been out of work for months.

“It was hard not being at work, but now I’ve got a job I feel happy and fulfilled.

“Without New Start, I think I’d still be at home feeling sad and depressed.”

Another to benefit from the scheme has been Bailey Doyle, 19, from Coulby Newham, who secured a placement at Normanby-based plumbing and joinery company Full Spec.

He added: “After college, it was pretty demoralising as I just couldn’t find any line of work.

“I lost confidence and motivation.

“Working with Full Spec has boosted my confidence and made me realise there are more opportunities out there.”

Rachel, Bailey and other participants were celebrated at an event at Middlesbrough FC’s Riverside Stadium, where they received certificates and heard from professionals involved in the scheme. 

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen added: “New Start is about giving people the help they need to pursue the career they want.

“It has given people real-life work experience, with a real wage and an opportunity to get a foot on the ladder.

“It has delivered real personal success stories – and it’s no stretch to say that for some, its impact has been truly life changing.”

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