Over 2000 people across Yorkshire have been supported by Yorkshire-based non-profit, Better Connect, to enter employment, training, or job seeking, over the last five years.
An employability programme with a difference, Action Towards Inclusion (ATI) helps those who are most excluded from the labour market.
With 30 voluntary and community organisations as partners, ATI helps people in Yorkshire overcome significant barriers, begin training, search for jobs, and secure employment in roles that suit them and are aligned with their needs and interests.
AKI supports participants in many areas of their lives, including well-being, money, learning, and support.
The CEO of Better Connect, Natasha Babar-Evans, said:
“ATI has been a truly incredible programme. Starting in early 2017, this wonderful partnership has moved mountains to support thousands of people to achieve their full potential, overcome barriers and live their best lives.”
“We look forward to honouring the incredible achievements of our participants, celebrating the immense contributions of our partners, and the amazing impact ATI has had on those it has supported, helping to create a happier and more inclusive Yorkshire.”
Using mentors, participants can develop action plans, find the perfect career path, receive professional debt advice, benefits assistance, funding for essential training and interview costs, and even become self-employed.
ATI participants will have financial stability, and more Yorkshire entrepreneurs will be created.
The Action Towards Inclusion Programme is a £13.2m programme designed to support York, North Yorkshire, East Riding LEP community members from disadvantaged backgrounds to secure employment.
The European Social Fund and National Lottery Community Fund jointly fund Action Towards Inclusion under the National Programme Building Better Opportunities.
In all 3,316 people engaged with the programme. 66% were economically inactive. These are people not yet ready to start seeking work due to serious barriers like mental health.
While 34% were unemployed but ready to start seeking work. However, they face significant barriers they needed help to address.
