Jobs and support for local people

Edition: Summer 2021

In response to the negative impact of the pandemic on local employment our long-running and successful Journey to Work (J2W) programme has now been expanded and we now have a number of projects to support local people.

Clare with a client at the Y Wish Support Hub

Two of these projects are funded by the Department of Work and Pensions, and all our initiatives are intended to help local people back into work and give support to local employers.

Here, we take a look at each of our projects.

The Y-Wish Hub

We have recently opened our exciting new Youth Employment Support Hub Y-WISH, in Horsham’s Swan Walk shopping centre, which is aimed at 18 to 24-year-olds.

Y-Wish Support Officers are available to help you write your CV, identify suitable vacancies or courses to match your skills, experience or interests, help with completing application forms and support with preparation for interviews.

The Youth Hub support is currently accessible on an appointment basis, but we are planning to open the hub up as a fully available drop-in resource from summer 2021, lockdown restrictions permitting.

This is a one stop shop for young people who need support to find a job or training opportunity. The service is confidential and free. If you’re struggling to make progress with your job search or training opportunity, get in touch, even if it’s just for an informal chat.

Clare Holt, Y-Wish Support Officer (pictured top with a client)

The In2Work service

For the 25 years and over age group, the Council is now providing a new In2Work service.

Our In2Work Support Officers are available to support local people who have lost their job as a result of the pandemic. We have already helped many people with new CVs, by enhancing or tailoring them to the type of roles they are now seeking. We help with job applications, covering letters and personal profiles for networking platforms such as LinkedIn.

The service also signposts clients to training programmes and liaises with local employers with vacancies, and organisations that offer retraining, upskilling and vocational opportunities.

WISH Outreach and 50+ provision

The third strand of the J2W programme is due to be made available in the summer and will offer regular group support sessions with a more social and community-style approach.

The 50+ WISH hub will be based in Horsham and is designed to support more mature workers who need a helping hand back into the workplace. The 50+ hub will meet regularly and will bring people together to support each other as well as receive support.

The Rural Outreach WISH provision provides a similar hub offering but with a more ‘roadshow’ style approach and will support anyone of any age. The plan is to visit the market towns throughout the District over the coming months and provide local communities with employment support.