The Tees Valley Move Forward – New Start scheme helps people who are economically inactive into work by providing them with paid work placements.

The scheme is delivered by a partnership of north east housing associations – Thirteen, Beyond Housing, Home Group, Karbon Homes and North Star Housing – on behalf of the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority.

Through New Start, local people have been placed with a range of 12 employers including roofing companies, cafés and care providers.

“Being out of work made me feel sad and bored"

One of those to benefit is Rachel Heads, 32, from Ingleby Barwick, who is completing a placement at the Flavours Coffee House café in Stockton.

Rachel, who has a learning disability, said: “Being out of work made me feel sad and bored. It’s not easy to get a job.

“Before I worked here I’d been out of work for months. It was hard not being at work but now I’ve got a job I feel happy and fulfilled.

“Without New Start I think I’d still be at home feeling sad and depressed.”

The café’s owner, Sharon Ackroyd, added: “Having Rachel here has been a definite plus. She’s so lovely. Everybody loves her.

“She’s an asset to the business – she is a very keen dishwasher, she takes orders to the table, she returns the dirties.

“My intention is to keep her on. I can’t imagine her not being here to be honest. Rachel has been a dream.”

"Working has boosted my confidence"

Another to benefit is Bailey Doyle, 19, from Coulby Newham, who secured a placement at Normanby-based plumbing and joinery company, Full Spec.

“After college it was pretty demoralising as I just couldn’t find any line of work at all,” he said. “I lost confidence and motivation.

“Working with Full Spec has boosted my confidence and made me realise there are more opportunities out there.

“My plan is to go and study at Teesside Uni. I don’t think I’d have come to this decision without this placement.”

Helping people pursue the career they want

The achievements of Rachel, Bailey and their peers have been recognised at a celebration event held at Middlesbrough FC’s Riverside Stadium.

Certificates were presented to everyone who has been in a placement, and there were presentations from professionals involved in delivering the scheme.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “We are bringing thousands of well-paid skilled job opportunities to the region and it’s essential we have the right support in place to help local people take advantage.

“New Start is about giving people the help they need to pursue the career they want. It has given people real life work experience, with a real wage and an opportunity to get a foot on the ladder.

“It has delivered real personal success stories – and it’s no stretch to say that for some, its impact has been truly life changing.”

Tees Valley Business Board Chair, Siobhan McArdle, was a guest speaker at the celebration event.

She said: “It was truly inspirational to hear the stories of people who have benefitted from New Start and to see how the programme is having a hugely positive impact on local people’s lives.

“As a Business Board, we are passionate about ensuring everyone has access to the right support to get on the job ladder and build their career here in Tees Valley – and New Start is a fantastic example of this in action.”

What is New Start?

The Tees Valley Move Forward – New Start service supports people who are deemed economically inactive.

Support is fully funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

New Start provides a programme of activity to people aged 16 and above, who are residents of the Tees Valley and have the right to work in the UK but are not in work or actively seeking work. It also includes people who are long-term sick.

It differs to most placements in that opportunities are offered to people who have no previous experience and intensive wraparound support is provided to customers before and during the placement.

New Start’s aims are to:

• create life changing employment pathways for Tees Valley residents.
• forge opportunities with employers that didn't exist before in the labour market.
• support those with different barriers and restore hope in their future success.
• challenge recruitment practices and empower change to give real people a chance to shine.

Funding for New Start was secured through the Housing Employment Network North East (HENNE).

For further details of the Tees Valley Move Forward scheme, visit Move Forward - Work.

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