20.07.06
Cornwall Neighbourhoods for Change celebrates 1000th person into employment from its Pathways programme

Cornwall Neighbourhoods for Change (CN4C) pioneered its Pathways to Employment programme in Penwith in 2001. From there it was rolled out to other disadvantaged areas in Cornwall, and five years on the 1000th beneficiary is now in work. He's 35 year old Brett Gallaway from Falmouth. A year ago he was unemployed, but today he's turned his life around and has a job as a marine engineer.

Brett's personal 'pathway' identified a way in which he could build on his hobby of sailing to start a new career. With support from his Pathways adviser he was able to go on a Royal Yachting Association training course for Power Boat Instructors and obtained an NVQ Level 3 qualification and also a first aid certificate. With these qualifications he was able to join Falmouth Yacht Brokers.

Pam Sekula, head of CN4C's people department, said: "Through the Pathways projects we aim to help people like Brett fulfil their dreams and ambitions by raising awareness of better paid and sustainable jobs. We have assisted people into many occupational areas, where the first step has been training and gaining qualifications. If you're unemployed, it's a bit of a Catch 22. You may well know where you want to work, but without the right certificates there is no way you can. Because you're out of work, you can not afford to fund your own training."

Jobcentre Plus, through the Objective One European Social Fund, has funded the scheme. Pathways advisers work on a one-to-one basis with people who are distanced from more established routes into work. In the past year alone, CN4C advisers have worked with 1200 people. For many the first step is to build up their confidence, and then identify the particular barriers that are holding them back. Some have been supported as they overcame health problems. Others identified practical obstacles such as sourcing affordable childcare, not having suitable clothes for work, or funding to bridge the gap between coming off benefits and getting a first wage packet.

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.

For further information please contact Barbara Smith of Cornwall Neighbourhoods for Change on 01736 786421 or email barbarasmith@clara.co.uk.

The Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has invested in Neighbourhood Pathways employment programmes which are delivered by CN4C and run in partnership with Jobcentre Plus, through the European Social Fund (ESF).

Editor's notes:

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.

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