Rochdale AFC Community Trust are set to launch a brand-new employability programme, helping people who have had their jobs affected by Covid back into employment.
Dale Works, which is funded by the ESF, will start out as an online programme, working with people who have recently been made redundant, had their studies disrupted or who are long-term unemployed.
Even before the pandemic, statistics showed that 17% of households in Rochdale were ‘workless’, a statistic that will only rise as the furlough scheme draws to a close.
The course will be a mixture of group sessions and one-to-one support, designed to give people the skills they need to get back into work, look at alternative career paths or start work for the first time.
"Now more than ever there is a need for people to be supported back into employment," commented Ryan Bradley, Community Director at Rochdale AFC Community Trust.
"The funding provided will allow us, as a charity with a unique ability to reach hard to reach groups, to support the existing provision and look to help stem the rising unemployment levels in Rochdale."
As well as paying for expert tutors to deliver the programme, the funding will be used to provide equipment for participants who need to get online as well as expenses for interviews, if required.
If you, or anyone you know, would like to sign up to the first six-week cohort, set to start later this month, please email ryan.bradley@rochdaleafc.co.uk to register your interest.