Social housing residents across the North of Tyne are taking their first steps towards a fresh career through the New Start employment support programme.
So far, 36 residents have secured five-month paid placements with one of 21 local employers, offering them the chance to gain valuable experience, build new skills, and explore potential career paths.
New Start is a is a partnership between social housing providers in the North of Tyne region, designed to help residents overcome the biggest barriers to getting into employment and explore a new career direction.
Jonathan Walton from Walker is starting a role with the Ouseburn Farm charity, supporting adult with learning difficulties, something that’s close to his heart.
“Previously I’ve had roles in customer services and IT support. I’d never thought of going for this kind of work before but my younger brother has learning difficulties so I‘ve got experience helping people in similar situations. New Start encouraged me to consider it and opened that door for me.
Jonathan
“The comprehensiveness of the New Start course really helped. There are so many job opportunities and there isn’t as much competition for the roles so it feels more comfortable and less intense. I’d recommend to other people.”
Now in its fourth year, the scheme, developed by the Housing Employment Network North East (HENNE), has supported over 250 people from across the North East to find paid career starter placements. HENNE is a partnership of 12 social housing providers supporting tenants and residents towards work.
With no prior experience needed and ongoing support from an employment advisor, the programme has not only brought benefits to the applicants but has helped local businesses unlock potential in a previously unexplored workforce.
Philip Pollard, Assistant Director of Customer and Community Engagement at Karbon Homes, said:
“At Karbon our mission is to build strong foundations for life and help our customers and communities to thrive. Breaking down barriers to employment is a huge part of this.
“We want to help people to build their skills, confidence and experience and encourage them to embrace new opportunities that in turn help increase their household income.
“Collaboration is key when it comes to delivering programmes like this. Through working with other social housing providers in the region, we’ve harnessed our collective knowledge and experience to help more of our social housing residents to reach their potential.”
The New Start programme in the North of Tyne area is funded by the UK government through the North East Combined Authority, with funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It’s a partnership between Karbon Homes, Bernicia, Newcastle City Council and North Tyneside Council, all of which work cohesively together as part of the HENNE.
