Community organisations across Kirklees are set to deliver innovative projects that help residents overcome barriers to employment after securing funding through the Healthy Working Life Community Grants Programme.
Funded through the Department for Work and Pensions’ Economic Inactivity Trailblazer programme, via the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, the grants programme supports voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations to deliver community-based activities that improve health, wellbeing, confidence, skills and pathways towards employment for economically inactive residents.
Strong demand from the VCSE sector
The response to the programme demonstrated the commitment of Kirklees’ voluntary and community sector to supporting residents who face complex barriers to work.
Following a competitive assessment process, 15 projects have been awarded funding, with a total investment of £194.5K being allocated to organisations delivering innovative health, wellbeing, skills and employability support across Kirklees.
What the funding will support
The funded projects will work with residents who are currently economically inactive, including people living with health conditions or disabilities, carers, older workers, people experiencing homelessness, ex-offenders, women, and people from ethnically diverse communities.
Projects will provide a range of tailored support, including:
- Health and wellbeing activities
- Confidence-building programmes
- Community-based skills development
- Volunteering opportunities
- Creative health initiatives
- Intensive wraparound support
- Pathways into learning, training and employment
The programme is designed to help people take positive first steps towards improved wellbeing, skills development and economic participation in trusted community settings.
Supporting residents furthest from the labour market
The Healthy Working Life Community Grants Programme forms part of the wider Economic Inactivity Trailblazer initiative, bringing together health, employment and skills services to support residents who may not engage with mainstream provision.
By investing in community organisations that already have strong relationships within neighbourhoods, the programme aims to reach residents who are often the furthest from the labour market and provide personalised support that meets their individual needs.
Building stronger local partnerships
The programme also encourages collaboration between VCSE organisations, health services and employment support providers, helping to create more joined-up support for residents across Kirklees.
Funded organisations will begin delivery over the coming months, with projects contributing to improved health and wellbeing, progression into skills and employment support, and stronger integration of health and work services at a neighbourhood level.
Investing in people, health and opportunity
Cllr Sarah Wood, Leader of Kirklees Council said:
“I am in awe of the determination, tenacity and commitment shown by our adult learners. As we get older and take on more responsibilities, whether that’s paying a mortgage or rent, raising a family or balancing the demands of everyday life, making time for learning takes real effort and dedication.
“I’m reminded of Albert Einstein’s words: ‘Wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it.’ These words ring true when you hear the stories of our learners and see the commitment they have shown to developing themselves, gaining new skills and opening up opportunities.
“I would like to congratulate all this year’s award winners and everyone who has taken part in adult learning across Kirklees. Their achievements are something to be incredibly proud of, and they show that it’s never too late to learn, grow and achieve something new.”
What happens next
Successful organisations will now work with Kirklees Council’s Employment and Skills team to finalise project delivery arrangements before commencing activity.
The projects will run through to March 2027, supporting residents across Kirklees to take meaningful steps towards healthier, more independent and economically active futures.