07.07.06
EU official visitor

Cornwall's profile in the EU has once again been boosted with a visit by EC official, Santiago Loranca-Garcia.

Mr Loranca-Garcia's two-day tour of the region was organised by the Government Office South West Objective One European Social Fund (ESF) team and included visits to several projects.

These projects included the flagship Combined Universities in Cornwall (at the Tremough campus), the Bishops Forum Freestyle and Cornwall Neighbourhoods for Change (CN4C) Pathways to Employment projects, both based in Falmouth.

During the visit to the CUC Tremough campus Carleen Kelemen, Director of the Objective One Partnership, gave a presentation about current Programme achievements. She said: "This was a great opportunity to showcase many of the successful projects supported by European Social Fund investment. Many of these have helped people learn new skills or participate in training on the job or remove barriers that prevent people effectively engaging in the world of work.

"Mr Loranca-Garcia was particularly impressed with the commitment of all the Objective One partners to strengthen our economic position through the development of our people and Cornish businesses."

Gordon Kelly CUC Co-ordinator also showcased some of the partnership's achievements and in particular the successful placement of graduates within many of Cornwall's micro businesses through the Unlocking Cornish Potential project. He said: "I was delighted to introduce Mr Loranca-Garcia to colleagues working for some of the CUC initiatives which are helping the people and businesses of Cornwall to grow and prosper. Through the acclaimed Unlocking Cornish Potential graduate placement scheme, the Creative Enterprise Cornwall initiative, the Cornwall Research Fund and the CUC Business Support Team, the ESF money invested in CUC is already making a real difference."

At the Bishops Forum Freestyle project Mr Loranca-Garcia, who is EC Head of Unit Employment Services, was shown how outdoor activity opportunities have been provided for young people.

Mr Loranca-Garcia then spent an hour with Cornwall Neighbourhoods for Change at the Beacon Estate Resource Centre. He met Charlotte Mackenzie, chair of CN4C, Tarn Lamb, chief executive, Pam Sekula, head of people department and a number of members of the Pathways to Employment team and beneficiaries of the programme. Grenville Chapel and Graham Whitfield from the Beacon Community Regeneration Partnership were also there.

During the meeting, Mr Garcia presented two awards to CN4C's Pathways clients. Brett Galloway received the first as the 1000th person into work from the Pathways programme. When he first came to Pathways in October 2005 he was homeless and unemployed, but he is now in permanent employment as a marine mechanic with Falmouth Yacht Brokers.

Michael Samarawira received a special achievement award for progression through learning. Michael comes from Sri Lanka and spoke English only as a second language. He was on incapacity benefit when he joined Pathways, but now he is studying to become an accountant and hopes to set up his own business.

Mr Loranca-Garcia also had a meeting with regional partners representing Government Office South West, Learning and Skills Council, the South West Regional Development Agency, Jobcentre Plus, Regional Skills Partnership, Cornwall Learning and Skills Task Force and the Objective One Partnership Office.

For further information please contact Clare Morgan, Media Relations Manager, Objective One Partnership on 01872 223439 or email: cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk.

Mr Santiago Loranca-Garcia is EC Head of Unit Employment Services.

Editor's notes:

CN4C Pathways to Employment Project: The approach offers guidance and practical support to enable people positively to pursue their ambitions, enhance their skills, gain qualifications and move into sustainable jobs. The programme is voluntary and is tailored to the specific needs of the individual.

Cornwall Neighbourhoods for Change (CN4C) is a community-based regeneration company working with some of the most deprived communities in Cornwall, and building bridges into the wider community. Neighbourhood Pathways employment programmes are delivered by CN4C, run in partnership with Jobcentre Plus, and financed by Jobcentre Plus and the European Social Fund through the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Objective One Programme.

CUC: The Combined Universities in Cornwall is a partnership that combines the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, University College Falmouth, The Open University, The College of St Mark & St John, and the Peninsula Medical School, with Cornwall's Further Education colleges - Cornwall College, Truro College and Penwith College. The CUC initiative has been invested in by the Objective One Programme, the South West Regional Development Agency, Cornwall County Council and the Higher Education Funding Council for England.

Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

back to top