Our Wellbeing Job Club and support service has been praised for its’ unique approach to supporting people on their journey back to employment.
The service supports people who are looking to work towards gaining employment or training. From the offset in 2023, the purpose of the project has been to not only support clients with practical tasks such as CV building, interview skills and managing finances, but also with improving their wellbeing and confidence.
An independent evaluation report of the service released recently by the University of Worcester highlighted the quality of the service being provided and the care being given to each client.
“What shines clearly through all of the data gathered is that although the staff are called Job Coaches, they are so much more than that. The support provided by the service is multi-faceted. One of the services Job Coaches reflected: “It’s not just jobs, jobs, jobs, it’s actually reducing the barriers that people are facing, and increasing their confidence”.
“The service appears to be of particular help to people with multiple and complex needs, whose needs have not been met by previous organisations. Staff explained the complexity of some of their clients’ needs, and that for many people, even reaching the Wellbeing Jobs Club may have been a long and challenging journey”
The Wellbeing Job Clubs project, which is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund was launched in April 2023 and is due to continue for at least two more years until the end of March 2027.
It offers free weekly drop-ins and wellbeing activities, as well as one-to-one appointments for anybody looking for additional support around employability, wellbeing, confidence, and self-esteem.
Lisa-Jane, Welfare Project Manager at Worcester Community Trust said;
“Over the past two years, we have supported more than 200 people, from school leavers to those facing redundancy after many years of employment.
“We see first-hand how people are being affected by issues such as the cost-of-living and mental health crisis. Being part of Worcester Community Trust means that we can offer holistic support for our clients and support them in overcoming whatever barriers to employment they face, such has financial or health related challenges.
“I’m so proud of my team for making such a huge impact to the lives of those we work with, and we hope to continue and grow the Wellbeing Job Clubs in the years to come.”
Job Coach Vander shared the story one of her clients,
“I first met my client via Worcester Community Trust’s JOY Project. She had been a victim of domestic abuse in the past. She was having therapy and wanted to talk with me about ‘getting herself back out there’. Once we got chatting, it became clear that she didn’t want to go back into retail and the corporate buying industry where she had worked previously. She shared her passion for nutrition and supporting people to eat better, as well as supporting people post menopause.
“We looked at a number of free online courses and she has now completed her Level 2 in Nutrition and Health and well as Health and Safety and Food Hygiene. She also attended a back to work course. These courses have enabled her to launch her own 121 health and wellbeing nutrition business.
“My client is now promoting her business well via social media, and is currently looking at venues where she could run group sessions from. She says the support we have given her has enabled her to focus on the job she actually wanted to do and she is looking forward to the future”.
To get support, make a referral or find out more information about the project, visit worcestercommunitytrust.org.uk/job-club or attend one of the weekly Job and Finance Clubs below:
- Mondays 11.30am – 1.00pm at Horizon Hub, Midland Road, WR5 1DS
- Tuesdays 12.00pm – 2.00pm at Ronkswood Hub, Canterbury Road, WR5 1PJ
- Wednesdays 11.30 – 1.00pm at The Green Hub, Gresham Road, WR2 5QS