LOCAL people applying for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), are being encouraged to volunteer for the Want to Work? programme which aims to give them early support at a time when they most need it.
This trial programme is being delivered locally by Derry City and Strabane District Council in partnership with the Department for Social Development and the Department for Employment and Learning.
It offers early, intensive and one to one support for new ESA claimants who are keen to get back into employment, move closer to the labour market, or find ways to better manage their condition.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Elisha McCallion, said the programme offers invaluable support for people keen to get started. “Want to Work? is a fantastic chance for people who have been struggling to find the right opportunity for them.
Unemployment is one of the biggest challenges faced by the new council, and we are taking a proactive approach in tackling the issue head on.
This programme offers motivation and support for people who are keen to get back to work following illness, or who have maybe found themselves stuck in a rut when it comes to sourcing employment.
“It takes into account the needs of the individual, and aims to support them through the entire process of finding a long-term career opportunity that’s right for them. I would really urge people to sign up and find out more about the options available to them. Participation is entirely voluntary”
Participants of Want to Work? meet with a friendly and impartial advisor from the Council at a location of their own choice.
Their advisor aims to make participants feel as comfortable as possible and during one to one meetings, the advisor and the participant talk about the health and work issues.
The participant is encouraged to consider what they might want to do about work now or in the future, and how they might prepare for a return to work whenever they are ready and able to do so.
The advisor helps the participant to achieve their goals by offering time, support, skills and knowledge on a one to one basis.
Successful actions to date have included connecting participants with local services e.g. the Disability Employment Service, local disability groups, mental health organisations, community centres, men’s programmes, advice centres, drug and alcohol services and much more; funding formal training, hobby courses and light exercise activities, seeking volunteering opportunities and helping with all aspects of seeking and staying in work.
Tina Gillespie, Programme Manager with Derry City and Strabane District Council, said: “We’ve had some great success to date in sourcing sustainable employment opportunities for people engaging with the programme and the feedback on the trial has been extremely positive.
“I think what appeals to people is that plans are tailored to meet their needs and they’re flexible, taking into account changing circumstances.
“Participants can avail of a wide range of support and information services that are free and confidential, which is particularly valuable to new ESA claimants who may be unsure how they can begin the process of sourcing alternative employment.
“We’re delighted with the response so far, and hope the trial will continue in the long-term, so we would encourage as many people as possible to volunteer and take advantage of the wealth of support that’s out there.”
Want to Work? also works very successfully in partnership with the Condition Management Programme (CMP), an element of the Department for Employment and Learning’s Disability Employment Service offer, which provides work –focused rehabilitation designed to help people better understand and manage their health conditions.
Since its inception, Want to Work? has become the second direct referral source for CMP, and gives people the opportunity to avail of health care interventions at an earlier stage of their ESA claim to help them progress towards employment.
CMP is delivered in the community, by NHS healthcare professionals from the Western Health and Social Care Trust, including Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and Mental Health Practitioners. , An individual action plan is devised with each participant to help them learn strategies for coping with their health condition, improve confidence, and better manage areas of their life including stress, pain and fatigue ..
There is a wealth of evidence that CMP improves physical and mental wellbeing and feedback from current Want to Work? participants who have undertaken CMP’s 12 week programme has been both positive and encouraging.
Want to Work? has been running since September 2015, and will complete in June 2016. Your benefits will not be affected by taking part.
If you have applied for Employment and Support Allowance, have not yet had your Work Capability Assessment, and would like more information about the free, confidential support on offer, please contact an advisor on 028 71 308466 or visit www.derrystrabane.com/want2work
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