The Rye Partnership continues to offer local unemployed people a range of training, support and advisory services through its Rural Employability project. Last year, 200 people accessed the service, demonstrating a need in the area. Building on the success, this year eligibility has expanded from claimants on job seekers allowance, to people on employment support allowance and income support.
Recruitment days and roadshows proved successful in recruiting staff for local businesses, including Jempson's, Pontins and Family Mosaic. Job seekers were invited to complete an application form and were offered a guaranteed interview by employers.
Rural Employability provides a work-club service from Tilling Green Community Centre, with drop-in sessions run three days a week - Tuesday 1:30-3:00pm, Wednesdays and Fridays 10:00–12:00, with staff and volunteers on hand to assist with job search and IT support. Further support is provided by Job Centre Plus (JCP) rural advisers, benefit advisers from the charity Harc (Hastings Advice and Representation Centre) and the National Careers Service.
A JCP rural adviser said: “We have been working in conjunction with Rye Partnership, helping customers getting into work through the routes of work experience, work trails and training. Customers have benefited from the three-way partnership as it has enabled them to be matched to the most suitable opportunity and progress them into work.”
In addition to work-club sessions, working in partnership with other organisations - Sussex Coast College Hastings, Rother Voluntary Action, Rye Children’s Centre, Future Youth Training - the project provides local people with the opportunity to access personal and career development training courses.
The project is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions. For more information contact me by email or phone 01797 229600.
Flora Williams is Rye Partnership's project coordinator for rural employability
