A new employment scheme has been launched to support people with multiple and complex barriers living in Cannock, Lichfield, Tamworth and East Staffordshire. The Building Better Opportunities Evolve programme supports local people and Beacon specifically helps people who are living with a visual impairment by helping them to develop skills and build their confidence to enable them to find employment: it is funded by the Big Lottery Fund and European Union Social Fund.
Beacon is one of eighteen partner organisations delivering the Evolve project which is led by Walsall based training provider Steps to Work. Beacon are dedicated to making a difference for local people living with sight loss and deliver the programme for people living in Cannock, Lichfield, Tamworth and East Staffordshire.
Mark Edwards, Employment Advice Officer, for the scheme explained: “The Building Better Opportunities Evolve programme delivered by Beacon is all about supporting people with sight loss and helping them back into employment. We are here to provide advice and support to visually impaired people who have been without a job for six months or more back into work.
“If you are registered visually impaired, aged between 16-24 and have been unemployed for six months or more, or you are aged 25 or over and have been unemployed for 12 months or more, we are here to support you.”
Beacon’s Building Better Opportunities Evolve team works with people to develop action plans that will help them to achieve their goals. They provide career advice and help with interview techniques, application processes and producing CVs, as well as helping people to find work experience opportunities so that they can develop their skills and experience.
Amanda Milling MP for Cannock Chase recently met with representatives of the new project to learn more about the scheme, she said: “I was very pleased to meet with Mark and Ben from Beacon, to find out more about this exciting new initiative that is supporting visually impaired people into work by helping to develop skills, build confidence and seek employment.
“If you, or someone you know, would benefit from this kind of support I encourage you to contact Beacon on 01543 500178 or call in at their shop in Market Place, Cannock.”