The More Positive Together (MPT) and MPT Steps programmes closed at the end of 2023 after six years helping people across the county – and Great Places were a major player.
The projects were aimed at enhancing the skills and employment prospects of residents in some of Lancashire’s most deprived areas. The programme was delivered by one to one mentorship support to engage, motivate and help progress participants to make positive steps in their lives. The support centred around confidence building, employability, financial advice, Mental health & well being initiatives to name a few.
MPT focused on assisting individuals furthest from the job market, while MPT Steps aimed to support those whose employment opportunities were affected by the pandemic and helped to boost the skills and confidence of over 9,500 people since 2017 and collectively assisting 1,743 into employment.
Great places MPT team supported 368 people on a 1-2-1 basis of those 197 of them where unemployed and 171 were inactive (not claiming any benefits, not required to look for work); 123 people went into employment and 120 went into education.
Great Places also supported over 60 families with childcare support which is a huge barrier to getting back into employment. This is all amazing work as many of the customers hadn’t worked or done any education for very many years. Through a variety of engagement events, face to face and wrap around holistic support the team were able to make a real difference.
With STEPS, Great places signed up over 228 participants – of which 170 were unemployed and 58 were inactive. We successfully helped 126 of these participants into employment and 58 of the individuals we supported were single parent households. 52 were supported in removing the barrier of childcare which shows a huge need for this support and allows families to increase their financial stability and move into the world of work!
Among some of the fantastic partnerships that have been created over the last couple of years, below are the highlights from the team’s success:
- Elisha House recovery project in Colne supports individuals with a history of substance misuse. We have worked with them over the past six years and have supported the development of various projects within Elisha house for example the community café, Walk leaders project, Bike leaders project, support with the setting up of the community gym, community gardening project amongst many others. Through MPT, the residents of Elisha House have gained various qualifications and employment advice which has enabled them to gain sustainable employment. Residents and volunteers were also trained in safeguarding, listening skills, mentoring, Health and Safety and food safety to name a few.
- Syrian refugee support with CSOL and ESOL language courses, in partnership with Linkbridge and Burnley Pendle Rossendale CVS
- Various SWAPs (Sector-based Work Academy Programme) offered to customers in partnership with local colleges, Lancashire Adult Learning and training centres- getting our local tenants into local jobs with employers such as Euro Garages, Costa, KFC!
- NEETS (Not in Education, Employment or Training) supported into training and Employment through collaborative partnerships in Claremont, Blackpool and also a successful partnership with Burnley FC and the Hatch programme, creating pathways for the next generation
- Aspire Academy – Learning Assistant qualifications- supporting over 80 participants to gain vital skills to enable them to move into the world of work within an education/support setting! This was 100% into employment pass rate with all participants
- The Great Places MPT team has also been shortlisted for a Housing Innovation Award – the category of “Dedication to Resident Welfare” for the creation of a health and well being initiative giving our tenants access to a wide range of services in one place.
Both projects were funded from the European Social Fund (ESF) growth programme. Originally launched in 2017 with a planned conclusion in 2020, the success of More Positive Together led to its extension until 2023. MPT Steps followed suit, commencing in January 2022.
Rosie Longden, Head of Community Investment, said:
The MPT scheme has done so much good for so many people across Lancashire and we are so proud of what we have been able to achieve.
We have worked collaboratively with organisations across the county to ensure we help people who needed it most and the help them to realise their potential.
It will leave a lasting legacy across Lancashire and we take pride in what has been achieved.
Managed by the charity Active Lancashire, the projects brought together a coalition of 30 partners from various sectors, including housing associations, local authorities and other third-sector organisations. Operating in smaller, localized groups covering Pendle, Central Lancashire, West Lancashire, and Coastal areas, these partners provided practical assistance and mentoring support to project participants.
