Support to gain employment

Sunnyside support to gain employment

Building Better Opportunities
Sunnyside ran the Building Better Opportunities programme for 6 years.

The ‘Building Better Opportunities’ programme was funded jointly by The National Lottery Community Fund with match funding from the European Social Fund. It aimed to tackle the root causes of poverty and unemployment, such as physical and mental health issues, homelessness, addiction and much more. It brought together public, private and voluntary organisations to create one of the biggest partnerships in the county.

The BBO provided tailored support to peoples interests and needs, helping them move into sustainable employment, volunteering or education.

Inclusive Employment Project
Our supported employment team also worked on the Inclusive Employment project in partnership with HCC and SPS Training.

The aim was to help “give you the help you need to find a job, apply for it and support you in your new job.” for clients.

An inclusive employment project, part funded by the European Social Fund, helped unemployed residents in Hertfordshire, with learning and physical disabilities, mental health issues, sensory needs and neurodiversity into employment, education or training.

— Caroline Fitzpatrick: Head of Supported Employment
If you wish to find out more, please email Caroline at carolinef@sunnysideruraltrust.org.uk

Case Study

Below is a case study from Sarah Ittoo, one of our experienced Employment Advisers/Mentor, showing how the Building Better Opportunities programme helped mentee ‘A’.

A
A. joined the Building Better Opportunities in April 2019. I first met A in July as she previously had another mentor.

A is very bubbly and is determined to change her life around and keeps herself busy. She mentioned she is interested in Self Employment but needs help to improve her life mentally & physically first to help her focus on her Business Venture.

She is enjoying studying at HRC College hoping to gain a better qualification in English & Math’s . A is also as a member of the Active Herts Gym at the John Warner Leisure Centre, this helps her to manage and improve her mental health and wellbeing.

A also attended a Wenta Business Training Course titled: “ Be your Own Boss ” as she is interested in setting up her own Nail care Business.
She is also a volunteer with Transitions. she is very passionate about helping young people overcome drugs & alcohol issue’s.

A has also attended two Nail Care courses titled : Acrylic & Gel and a Dip & Buff powder course. This has helped her learn new techniques to use with clients on her Business Venture.

Step2Skills

For more information on employment support, please visit the Step2Skills website: