New Start helps residents into work

A regional employment initiative is helping North East residents gain new skills and career confidence through a series of paid work placements with local employers.

The New Start programme has seen 52 social housing residents begin five-month placements with 28 businesses across the region, providing valuable hands-on experience and tailored support to help people take their first steps into sustainable employment.

Developed by the Housing Employment Network North East (HENNE) – a partnership of 12 social housing providers – the scheme offers opportunities to those who face barriers to work, with no previous experience required. 

Participants receive guidance from employment advisors and are matched to suitable roles across multiple sectors.

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.  

He 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.”  

Jonathan Walton, who is starting a placement with the Ouseburn Farm charity in Newcastle 

Now in its fourth year, New Start has supported more than 250 people into paid placements, while helping employers access a pool of motivated local talent.

This year’s programme includes 21 placements in the North of Tyne area, supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund through the North East Combined Authority, as well as a further seven in South Tyneside through a partnership between Karbon Homes, South Tyneside Council and HENNE.

Philip Pollard, assistant director of customer and community engagement at Karbon Homes, added: “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.” 

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