A £10 million funding package has been announced which aims to support people in Wales back towards employment.
The extra money from the UK Government is being targeted at areas of the country with the highest levels of economic inactivity.
New support will include work readiness skills, employer engagement to change hiring practices and support Local Growth Plans, confidence-building social groups and skills training.
The funding aims to builds on a Trailblazers scheme in Denbighshire and Blaenau Gwent which has seen the creation of wellbeing and resilience support alongside the provision of essential skills including self-confidence building, motivation, problem solving and teamwork.
The UK Government said that, unlike traditional employment support, inactivity trailblazers empower local areas to design tailored solutions that tackle the root causes of economic inactivity, such as poor mental health, low skills, and barriers like social isolation.
Those who benefit from the trailblazer support face complex, often deeply personal barriers to work, the UK Government added.
The existing scheme has seen the introduction of pilots such as community link worker projects which connect local residents to support services, as well as developing a new digital self-referral platform to signpost people to access local health and employment support services.
Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said:
“The UK Government is working with the Welsh Government and others to help people into employment. We know that work benefits people, giving them financial independence and improving their wellbeing.
“It is fantastic news that our Trailblazer scheme is being extended and backed with significant funding so it unlocks many more opportunities for people across Wales, setting them up for success.”
Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnerships for Wales, Jack Sargeant said:
“This vital funding boost will make a real difference to communities in Wales, where we're seeing innovative approaches tailored to local needs already making an impact.
“Welsh trailblazers are proving that when we combine employment support with health services and skills training, we can help people overcome the complex barriers they face. This investment reinforces our commitment to ensuring people in Wales receive the right support at the right time tailored to their circumstances.”
