More than 100 people supported through BBO project
Over the last year our Building Better Opportunities Humber (BBO) and MOVE project has continued to help and encourage local people into work despite such challenging times.
BBO is a project funded jointly by the National Lottery Community fund and European Social Fund, aiming to help people into paid work.
From March 2020 the team has signed up and supported 106 people, out of which 37 have progressed into education or employment.
During the pandemic, the team has adjusted to new ways of working and explored different ways to engage and help participants. They have introduced digital platforms, carrying out virtual training sessions in stress and anxiety awareness, employability progression, as well as engaging activities like an employability quiz.
During the first half of the year the team were also able to plan a ‘picnic in the park’ to highlight social inclusion, a sunflower growing project and a walking group.This helped to improve and maintain good mental health in extremely uncertain and unfamiliar times.
The team have also been able to receive funding to purchase laptops for online training courses, which has enabled those on a low income to access the world online as well as undertake training from home during the pandemic.
Emma Howes-Richardson, Ongo Communities Team Leader said: “The BBO project is a great opportunity to receive support from an advisor who will be there every step of the way as clients identify what they would like to do, and how to do it.
“I am super proud of my team for the work they have done during the last year, they have made a huge difference to their clients’ lives, and to have continued with such determination to ensure we carry on helping those that need it.”
The mental health and confidence boosting support received by one client, has enabled her to successfully start on her journey into work. When asked about her experience, she said: “I just want to say that all staff have been fantastic and have helped me a lot. I can’t thank Laura Sweeney and the team enough what they have done for me and my children.
“Even now they are continuing to support me and I don’t know what I’d do without them. I think the Ongo team are fantastic I don’t know what I would have done without them it’s been an absolute pleasure.”
If you wish to know more about BBO project, get in touch with the team by emailing employmentsupport@ongo.co.uk or calling them on 01724 844848 (option 2).
This project is funded by the European Social Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund.
