A COMMUNITY initiative that aims to help people back into work is celebrating a string of successes.

Red Hall Employability Project was launched in January after Darlington Borough Council and the Morrison Trust joined forces to secure funding from the County Durham Community Foundation.

The year-long scheme aims to offer practical help and support to the residents of Red Hall and the surrounding area looking to get back into work, training or education.

Already 60 individuals have made use of the service, provided through a one-stop-shop at Red Hall Community Centre on Tuesday afternoons.

Designed to complement services provided by JobCentre Plus and other work programme providers, the scheme offers support with job searches, job applications, updating CVs, interview skills and building confidence as well as advice on Child Tax Credits and changes to benefits.

The scheme involves a variety of partners, including training providers and employers.

Suzanne Clark, the council's employability and skills manager, said: “Our aim is to help people get back into work, training or education and to help them tackle any barriers they may face that could prevent that from happening.

“Working together collaboratively is really paying dividends.

"Two people have gone into full-time education; ten have secured jobs while we have four who have started traineeships and another four who have gained apprenticeships.”

Caroline Evans, employability officer for the Morrison Trust, said: “It’s about people being able to come somewhere that is relaxed and supportive and know we are here to help.

“It can be daunting for someone who has not worked for a while trying to get back into work.

"We’re here to help them navigate their way through updating their CVs, carrying out job searches, filling in applications and preparing for interviews.

“It’s about helping them see how the skills they have can be transferred and offer advice on how they can enhance and learn new skills.”

Among those who have already benefited from the scheme is young father Ben Bowen, 20, who has started an apprenticeship at South West Durham Training in Newton Aycliffe.

He said: “The project made me look at my options and reconsider where I actually wanted to end up and where I wanted to be. It helped me look at the options available to me.”

Would-be taxi driver Craig Blackburn was also given financial support to fund his taxi test and will be start work as a self-employed driver shortly.

The project will continue until the end of December.

For more information, either pop along to the community centre on Tuesday afternoons, between 1.30pm and 4pm, call 01325 406303 or email suzanne.clark@darlington.gov.uk