Helping more residents into work and training

The support is coming from the 'people and skills' priorities of the UK Shared Prosperity (UKSPF) programme.

Mentoring is being directed to residents who are economically inactive with a grant of £1.484m to the Wise Group, a national social enterprise which seeks to lift people out of poverty through "relational mentoring". The Wise Group will work in partnership with the Sunderland-based Foundation of Light, Pallion Action Group, YMCA Wearside, Springboard and Humankind.

The economically inactive are classed as 'people not in employment who have not been seeking work within the last four weeks and/or are unable to start work within the next two weeks'.

It is expected that nearly 1,400 people in Sunderland will be helped. Around half will receive support for removing barriers that may have prevented them seeking work, training or education. The Wise Group's Relational Mentoring approach seeks to address multiple barriers with professional, evidenced and long-term mentorship to maximise the potential of individuals.

Ken Bremner MBE, who is Chief Executive of the South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, chairs the Sunderland City Board, the local partnership group for UKSPF in Sunderland.

He said: "There may be many reasons why some people are not actively seeking work. We'd like to see those barriers challenged and climbed."

The Wise Group already has an established North East hub and its recent Wise Steps service in Tyne and Wear helped more than 1,000 people into work, self-employment, education or training.

Ewan McCall, who leads on the Wise Group's Research and Advocacy, said: "It takes a lot more than a CV to secure and sustain fair, meaningful work. Every day, our professional mentors support people with their wellbeing, energy security, confidence, digital inclusion, skills and more to ensure they have the very best chance at making the most of opportunities.

"With Relational Mentoring having been developed in the North East, we are extremely proud to start changing lives in Sunderland with our valued partners."

Extra assistance for the economically inactive in Sunderland is part of the 'people and skills' category second round of UKSPF funding.

Leader of Sunderland City Council, Councillor Graeme Miller said: "This grant funding is all about: helping, guiding and assisting the economically inactive into work and training. Having more people in work, or learning and training to get into work, helps make Sunderland a more dynamic, healthier, smarter and vibrant city for everyone, and we welcome the Wise Group to Sunderland."

The first round of UKSPF grants were announced in June this year and £3.3m was granted to 'communities and place' projects in Sunderland.

It included support to nine projects, funding a range of cultural, community and digital activities, such as support for community facilities at St George's Church in Fatfield, Washington, cost of living support in West Sunderland, and support for social prescribing activities and digital health hubs throughout the city.

More on UKSPF at:UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) in Sunderland - Sunderland City Council

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First published: Friday 17 November 2023