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Training programmes close after helping over 100 Preston people into work

Posted on - 12th March, 2024 - 12:00pm | Author - | Posted in - Charities, Education, Preston News
A group photo of MPT Steps and More Positive Together delivery
partners, taken at a recent wrap-up event at Brockholes
A group photo of MPT Steps and More Positive Together delivery partners, taken at a recent wrap-up event at Brockholes

Two training programmes have completed after 883 people in Preston accessed support to improve their skills, with 116 finding work as a direct result.

More Positive Together (MPT) and MPT Steps were projects aimed at enhancing the skills and employment prospects of residents in some of Lancashire’s most deprived areas.

MPT focused on assisting individuals farthest from the job market, while MPT Steps aimed to support those whose employment opportunities were affected by the pandemic.

In total, across the county, the programmes have helped over 9,500 people since 2017, assisting 1,743 into employment.

Both projects received funding from the European Social Fund (ESF) growth programme. Originally launched in 2017 with a planned conclusion in 2020, the success of More Positive Together led to its extension until 2023. MPT Steps started in January 2022.

Managed by the charity Active Lancashire, the projects brought together a coalition of 30 partners from various sectors – including housing associations, local authorities and other third-sector organisations – to provide practical assistance and mentoring support to project participants.

Read more: Preston City Council and Onward Homes strike deal for Horrocks Mill social housing

Mandy Taylor, Senior Programme Manager at Lancashire Women, who delivered both projects in the Preston area, said: “From boosting confidence to refining skills, we’ve helped a high number of people to navigate their way back into the workforce through MPT Steps and More Positive Together.

“It has been brilliant to be part of the wider network too, with us collectively supporting thousands s of people across the whole county. As the programs conclude, Lancashire Women remain committed to empowering women to thrive in the workplace and beyond through the services we continue to provide.”

Colleagues from Preston delivery partner Lancashire Women
delivering MPT Steps
Colleagues from Preston delivery partner Lancashire Women delivering MPT Steps

Local residents seeking support were connected to dedicated mentors who conducted personal needs assessments and developed tailored action plans to overcome barriers to employment. The projects also offered opportunities for personal development, including engagement in environmental and arts activities, training programmes to acquire new skills, and access to valuable work experience opportunities.

Active Lancashire implemented a comprehensive well-being offer in both projects in line with their other services, encouraging participants to engage in sports and physical activities, fostering improved health, enhanced confidence, and positive social interactions.

Read more: Celebrating Preston’s strong women for International Women’s Day

Sarah Dunne, MPT Steps relationship manager, said: “What has set these programmes apart from others is a unique focus on improving the mental and physical wellbeing of participants, which has led to a positive culture change across Lancashire.

“Our mentors and partners have been instrumental in achieving this and we know they will continue to promote the benefits of a healthier, more active lifestyle in helping people overcome barriers for years to come.”

With the conclusion of ESF funding, Active Lancashire continues to deliver other employment programmes alongside partners on behalf of several local authorities. These include Move Forward, which is delivered with Selnet and a range for partners for councils in Preston and Pendle with funding from the Government’s UKSPF.

Read more: New service to help struggling Preston jobseekers aged 25 and over ‘Move Forward’

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