Our Path to Work project tackled unemployment, in-work poverty, increased difficulties and economic disadvantages as a result of the Covid-19 crisis by upskilling, reskilling and supporting Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) people aged 19 years and over, who were living in Leeds.

Funded and supported by The National Lottery Community Fund, we were able to provide intensive one-to-one employability support to 74 participants within 6 months. Sector-based employer talks were organised for participants and accredited training courses to improve their chances in gaining sustainable employment.

We helped some participants apply for Mental Health Social Worker Scheme (paid work placement) which will lead to an accredited qualification and a rewarding career within the NHS.

Some participants were helped with training courses which will enable them to work as Interpreters, Teaching Assistants, Laboratory Technician, Community Support Workers, Social Care Workers, Nail Technician and Security Guard.

Quotes from participants:

“I am grateful for all the practical and psychological support I received. The Mental Health Social Worker Program is an amazing opportunity, and I am so grateful. You introduced it to me and helped me understand and apply for it. You showed understanding and patience and helped me step by step in this complex application to remind me of what to do next and always there to answer my questions.” – Fatima

“I learnt a lot of new information about writing a CV, making it better and more efficient. I also got a lot of support with job applications, I learnt all about using STAR, the outline preferred by employers used for answering questions about skills/ experience.” – Nur

“Thank you so much! I really appreciate everything, I am very grateful. I never thought I will get this kind of help from anywhere” – Rosa

“All the information that you gave me was valuable. you helped me understand other dimensions of work and career opportunities.” – Anonymous