\u201cWe are open\u201d is the message from Building Better Opportunities Staffordshire & South Staffordshire.\u00a0 The programme, which supports those not in employment, has adapted in order to ensure it continues to serve those most in need in the local community.<\/p>\n
The project usually operates across various community venues including Stafford Library.\u00a0 Operational changes have been introduced to ensure those in the community are not further disadvantaged by Covid-19.<\/p>\n
Judith Kirkland, CEO of Business Enterprise Support explains the free service is open and ready to welcome those in need: \u201cThe Building Better Opportunities programme continues to operate during the Covid-19 pandemic with personalised training and one-to-one support.\u00a0 We\u2019re utilising telephone calls, video calls, online meetings, delivery and postal services.\u00a0 With many services in the UK currently suspended, now is a perfect time for us to reiterate that we are open, there are no waiting lists and we are ready to support the community across South Staffordshire and Stafford.\u00a0 Get in touch.\u201d<\/p>\n
Launched in 2017, the programme has proven such a success that funding was extended earlier this year to all allow the programme to continue until 2022.\u00a0 Since its launch, the programme has already welcomed 740 individuals, with 268 progressing into employment or further training. One of which is 48-year-old Sarah Ellison from Cheslyn Hayes in South Staffordshire, who despite the Covid-19 pandemic has been able to continue her wellbeing journey and secured her first job in two years.\u00a0 Sarah says: \u201cI have battled with my mental health for decades, since having post-natal depression following the birth of my children, I\u2019ve been passed from service to service with a one size fits all approach.\u00a0 With BBO, I\u2019ve succeeded, I\u2019ve achieved what I set out to do, which is to manage my mental health, be happy, be consistent, and I\u2019m continuing to achieve in all areas of my life. \u201c<\/p>\n
Building Better Opportunities is a national project, jointly funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and the European Social Fund (ESF).\u00a0 The programme is managed locally by Business Enterprise Support (BES) who lead a partnership of 10 organisations including: BEAM, Citizen Advice Bureau Staffordshire South West, Fuse Enterprise CIC, South Staffordshire District Council, South Staffordshire Housing, Stafford and Rural Homes, Staffordshire Women\u2019s Aid, Support Staffordshire, Upper Moreton Rural Activities and University Hospital North Midlands.<\/p>\n
The programme is completely free to anyone aged 18 or over that lives in Stafford or South Staffordshire and is currently out-of-work.\u00a0 The project tackles barriers that prevent these groups of people from accessing support with opportunities for\u00a0education\u00a0and training, improved health and wellbeing services, better financial help and programmes to build people\u2019s confidence and self-esteem.<\/p>\n
Judith, explains: \u201cYou could be long-term unemployed or recently unemployed, the crucial part to our programme is the barriers you face.\u00a0 For example, you could have recently lost your job because of the pandemic and you\u2019re experiencing issues with childcare and you\u2019re now in arrears with your rent.\u201d<\/p>\n
Judith continues: \u201cWe work with a vast range people in the local community from those who have never worked, through to single parents, those with chronic illnesses, those that are survivors of domestic abuse, recovering addicts and those who have just been dealt a few bad hands and their personal circumstances are spiraling.\u201d<\/p>\n
To find out more about Building Better Opportunities Stafford & South Staffordshire or view the full course list visit www.bbostaffs.org or call 01902 696 228.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" \u201cWe are open\u201d is the message from Building Better Opportunities Staffordshire & South Staffordshire.\u00a0 The programme, which supports those not in employment, has adapted in order to ensure it continues to serve those most in need in the local community. The project usually operates across various community venues including Stafford Library.\u00a0 Operational changes have been […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2122,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n