Published 19 March 2013
Delivering Support for Families with Multiple Problems
Two reports highlighting the work of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Co-financing Organisation (CFO) in delivering Support for Families with Multiple Problems have recently been published on ESF-Works.
Helping people in families with multiple problems and complex needs move away from benefits and into employment is a key priority for the Government.
Reed in Partnership and their partners deliver the DWP CFO - ESF Support for Families with Multiple Problems programme across the North West in Cumbria, Lancashire, Merseyside and Halton. The report, which includes video interviews with programme participants, shows how the programme provides a whole family approach to support, while also meeting individual needs of family members where unemployment crosses the generations to move them closer to the labour market.
In interviews, John (a participant) explains how Reed’s “Planning for Success” course has raised his confidence and aspirations and helped him identify a realistic career development path. Another participant, Janet describes her feelings of pride and achievement at gaining permanent employment after many years as an out of work single parent.
In the South East, Skills Training UK is delivering the Progress! programme. This programme offers a 12 month course with module-based activities. These are designed to tackle specific family-related areas of difficulty which can be obstacles to work.
The ESF-Works report describes how the programme is building relationships with local authorities to deliver in partnership. It also provides links to case study material showing the progress made by participants. These include Sam, who now feels ready to take positive steps towards employment, and Sharon, who was referred by the Probation Service in Thanet to the course at East Kent iTec which helped her into a job at a local residential home.
- Reed in Partnership: Support for Families with Multiple Problems (ESF-Works website)
- Skills Training UK: Progress! (ESF-Works website)