Releasing new Potential
Unlocking Opportunities for Change
The West of England Works (WoEW) project is an exciting partnership which aims to help unemployed and economically inactive people in the West of England find employment. Led by Weston College, the partnership includes a range of voluntary and community organisations based in Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, and Bath and North East Somerset.
Releasing new Potential (RNP) is a WoEW thematic partner that creates opportunities for long term unemployed people. Releasing new Potential encompasses an enhanced, holistic support service for people within the 4 unitary authorities in the West of England (North Somerset, Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Bath & North East Somerset). West of England Works forms part of the national Building Better Opportunities programme and is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and the European Social Fund.
People who are long term unemployed or economically inactive face numerous barriers to employment, including, lack of employability skills, limited work experience and/or qualifications, health issues, substance abuse, family problems, debt and housing issues, lack of confidence and digital exclusion.
The project offers individualised one-to-one support to help people move into education, training, and employment.
Each participant has their own caseworker who helps them overcome their barriers, build their confidence, and connect with specialist partners or training providers.
Our professional case managers can coach participants and offer expert advice, support and guidance to help individuals secure their goals. We can assist participants with gaining employment, volunteering, moving into education or any other goal that is relevant to their needs by supporting them with the following:
- Initial engagement
- Eligibility check and effective completion of paperwork
- Individual assessment of need and personal pathway plan (including clear milestones)
- Support with their CV especially with gaps in employment
- Support with job searching
- Interview techniques
- Understanding their barriers
- Managing expectations regarding employment and training
- Referral to specialist support partners
- Delivery of one-to-one support and review sessions
- Ongoing individual support through the project (telephone and email communications)
- Securing volunteering placements, sustainable employment, self-employment and training relating to individual’s aspirations
- Empowering the participant to reach their goals
The case managers are skilled in coaching and delivering personal Information, Advice and Guidance to break down barriers and support the steps to employment. This will be achieved through a robust initial and diagnostic assessment at the start of the person’s journey.
The case manager and participant will set clear, SMART targets which will be identified as a result of the assessment, inclusive of referring the participant to specialist support services to support with key areas identified. Whilst the participant is working with the specialist partners, the case manager will continue to be in contact with the participant.
Actions taken and progress against the targets will be recorded to build the confidence of the participant and encourage motivation to achieve their identified outcomes on their pathway.
The case managers will also work with local employers, colleges, JCP and DWP to identify employment opportunities and/or courses that meet the needs and aspirations of the individual to achieve the goal of the participant.
