Breaking down the barriers
Breaking Down the Barriers is a unique project designed to assist and empower members of our local community who are currently unemployed or economically inactive and looking to build their confidence, employability skills, social skills and self-esteem.
We encourage their movement towards the labour market through intensive 1:1 support sessions and group activities supported by our expert tutors and peer mentors.
The project is part of the Building Better Opportunities (BBO) programme and is funded by the European Social Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund.
Through the Building Better Opportunities (BBO) project we are able to offer practical, targeted support to disadvantaged groups of people throughout Northamptonshire, helping them back into employment.
The pre-employment support we offer to participants consist of confidence building and mentoring workshops, CV writing and life skills development programmes as well as practical support regarding the acquisition of formal identification (i.e. passports, driving licences)
The 10-week programme we deliver is designed specifically to encourage our participants to recognise the skills they have which are easily transferrable to the workplace and provide practical hands on experience in a variety of areas.
We enable participants to develop practical skills such as making presentations, using social media and IT skills. Additionally, we assist participants to develop other work transferrable skills such as teamwork, timekeeping, leadership and communication.
The learners we’ve encountered thus far have experienced a significant loss in confidence for a variety of reasons including (but not limited to) anxiety, depression, learning difficulties and other additional health needs.
From engagement with both programmes and through referrals, we recruit peer mentors and offer volunteer placements where people can build and develop their skills in a supportive environment.
Courses usually run for between 10 and 12 weeks, up to three days a week, with the option to extend this period based on the individual needs of each person.
Community Resources
Access to work
Access to work is a government initiative that provides advice and practical support to the disabled who are employed, self-employed or unemployed and about to start a job or work
Explore your Potential
Are you looking to gain new skills or employment? As part of our Breaking Down The Barriers to employment programme we offer individual, small group and online sessions support.
Universal Credit Help
Our Universal Credit Guidance notes will help you find out if you could be eligible and what is a work allowance. Follow our simple example to help you calculate your own work allowance.
Music Therapy
Music evokes different responses in us. We can all relate to the way music can move us, breaking through where words can’t. Music Therapy is a type of psychological therapy in which music making and listening are the main modes of communication.
Mental Health Useful Links
We collated a list of useful mental health sources and links to make it easier to find the help you need.
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Our Funding Partners
