The first stage of an innovative new approach to get people back to work attracted well over a hundred job seekers to the first “Make Your Life Work “ event at Wallsend People’s Centre.

Last Thursday’s launch (29/11)  was the start of a new scheme driven by the North Tyneside Strategic Partnership which aims to help people who have been out of work for a long time because of illness, or  who are older and need to upskill or who are disabled and struggling to find work.

The ‘Make Your Life Work’ programme aims to tackle the barriers that prevent people returning to work, which can include lack of confidence or feeling intimidated about how to go about it.

The event was the first of five which aim to address these issues and make getting back to work easier by bringing the information, support groups and employers into the neighbourhoods and making it a fun day.

Storytelling and face painting for the children, as well as free refreshments, goody bags and the chance to win a laptop all contributed to an enjoyable experience, which also helped many people according to North Tyneside’s elected mayor John Harrison.

He said: “Getting back to the workplace presents enormous challenges for many people. Some of those challenges are to do with not feeling confident about where to go or who to speak to.

“This type of event can be amazingly beneficial by giving people help and direction within a relaxed and supportive environment and the success of the day has proved that this approach really works.”

The project has been created with the help of Deprived Area Funding, which North Tyneside’s Strategic Partnership secured up until March 2008.  The funding has to be used in those wards with the highest levels of deprivation, so the scheme will focus on helping residents in Riverside, Chirton, Howdon, Wallsend and Longbenton.

The partnership plans to provide tailored training programmes for everyone participating in the programme, which will cover IT and personal skills as well as more specific training. Residents can also get help in writing CVs and preparing for interviews and will continue to be supported as they start work.

North Tyneside Council will also work with local businesses to encourage them to employ residents with lower skill levels, as they will be able to help the employee to continue to develop their skills at very little risk and no extra cost.

Four other events will take place over the coming months. For more information about the events and the programme then please call 0191 293 6510 or visit www.northtyneside.gov.uk/ntsp