Magenta Living joins ‘JobsPlus’ pilot to help community into work
Magenta Living has been named as one of ten pilots in a national community-led employment scheme called ‘JobsPlus’. The scheme aims to help people into work through on-site employment services, community support and financial incentives. The Department for Working Pensions are funding the pilot through HM Treasury’s Labour Market Evaluation and Pilots Fund.
Based on an American model which has a proven success record in increasing employment opportunities, JobsPlus uses a community focus and person-led approach to support people into employment or to find better employment opportunities. This type of support might include helping to explore job opportunities that match a person’s needs, developing interview skills and support with managing health conditions.
The Magenta Living pilot is supporting those in Bidston Rise, North Birkenhead, an area selected due to high unemployment and increased barriers for people seeking employment. Magenta Living is a huge advocate for Bidston Rise as there is a strong sense of community with lots of local projects including a social supermarket, children’s activities and support and advice services. Helping people in the area move closer to employment promises to produce long-term improvements for those enrolled in the scheme and for the wider community.
Communities Director at Magenta Living, Rachel Bennett said: “JobsPlus is an exciting project for Magenta to be part of. We know the value in providing support to help people into work and the overall benefits this brings to them individually and to the local community, including improved mental health, learning skills and supporting income especially with the current cost of living crisis. It’s critical that we provide a tailored approach, to help people into roles that work for them.
“Empowering people is our purpose, and our aim is to ensure customers can achieve their true potential. It's about opening doors and creating a world of possibilities for our customers.”
So far the pilot has successfully signed up a group of residents in the Bidston Rise area that have expressed a range of complexities around their employment. With the purpose of the scheme to help anyone in the pilot location move closer to employment or find better employment, each individual that engages in the scheme is considered a success.
JobsPlus Manager at Magenta Living, Sally Ross said: “Being located right in the heart of one our communities to deliver this service is key. The team and I talk to people every day and there is lots of interest in the benefits that JobsPlus can bring. I’m looking forward to seeing the how the scheme will make a difference to local people”.
Magenta Living is committed to support all of its customers with employability needs through a range of services such as Inspiring Dreams, Live & Learn and Magenta Learning Fund. Now with the introduction of the JobPlus pilot, they are able to provide even more specialised support to the residents of Bidston Rise.
The project will run until March 2025 with the possibility of it being extended until 2026.
For more information about the Magenta Living JobsPlus pilot, visit its webpage at https://www.magentaliving.org.uk/jobsplus