Project funding supports long-term jobless in North Devon

A project helping long-term unemployed people in North Devon has been given a financial injection through our Community Matters Fund.

We’ve awarded funding to Torridge Growing Together which provides work experience and CV coaching to vulnerable people in Bideford and Torridge.

A grant is enabling two work coaches to offer guidance on courses to plug skills gaps, support with creating CVs and help find work experience or volunteering options.

Caroline Gale, of Torridge Growing Together, said: “Through this project we are enabling people who have been out of work for a long time, or some who have never had paid work, to make their first steps towards employment.

“We’re encouraging them to analyse their skills, interests and personality traits, work out best ways to overcome barriers to employment and to develop new skills and confidence through trial volunteering or work experience and finding suitable courses.

“Although we have, so far, only completed a few weeks of the Growing Towards Employment programme that we are developing thanks to the generosity of NGED’s Community Matters Fund, we have been amazed at the transformation in people's lives.

“We’ve had tremendous interest in the project from many referral organisations in the area. We already have 13 people signed-up to create their individual employment plan. One person told us they found the support of the work coach immensely helpful and that their confidence had increased.

“Everyone is different, so we’re offering an individualised approach, with experienced enablers to help people discover their transferable skills, identify any barriers and support them on their journey, through setting suitable targets and providing opportunities.”

Our support has also meant more people can benefit from gardening-related activities run by Torridge Growing Together, as it can now provide a minibus to pick up people in rural areas poorly served by public transport.

Its first trip was to take a group to Clovelly Court Gardens, where they learnt horticulture skills from the head gardener and how a commercial garden and tourist attraction works.

Ellie Patey, NGED’s Community Engagement Manager, said: “The aim of our funding was to boost skills and employability and it’s fantastic to see how Torridge Growing Together is bringing such positive change through a person-centred approach.”

The Community Matters Fund has supported more than 400 South West charities and community groups since it was launched in 2021.