Learning training and work support

New partnership launched

Steps to Work helps vulnerable adults in West Sussex with a wide range of disabilities and challenges to access employment, learning, training, volunteering and work support.

The scheme has been running since 2000 and used to be funded externally by the European Social Fund and Local Area Agreements. However, it is now funded by West Sussex County Council and NHS West Sussex.

The new partnership consists of three providers:

Aldingbourne Trust - which work with adults and children over 16 with learning difficulties;
Impact Workability - which work for adults who are recovering from drug or alcohol dependency and who may be offenders or ex-offenders, and for adults with a physical or sensory impairment or an acquired brain injury; and
Southdown Supported Employment - which works with adults and children over 16 with mental health needs.

The new-look partnership was held at County Hall North, Horsham. The event was also attended by other organisations, including Jobcentre Plus.

County Council Cabinet Member for Adults' Services, Peter Catchpole, said: "Last year the Steps to Work Partnership helped 96 people into paid employment, helped 34 people retain employment, which they may have otherwise lost, and helped 149 people to voluntary work or work placements. On top of this 162 people were helped to access training to help them move towards employment.

"The Steps to Work Partnership is a wonderful example of how good partnership working can make a difference.

"It helps clients raise their confidence and self esteem, and can change lives.

"We look forward to working with the new providers and moving forward with the partnership."

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