A STOCKTON charity which helps unemployed people in some of the most deprived areas of the town – and the entire country – has received a £10,000 boost.

The charity, called Know How North East which provides 'employability' training, has received the donation from national baker Warburtons and will be used to help people in the Newton area of Stockton, which is within the 2.4 per cent most deprived wards in the UK.

The money will be used to provide ICT equipment for the charity’s Newtown Community Resource Centre, alongside employability training, skill sessions, and CV workshops as part of the charity's Access to Opportunities project.

It is expected that 200 people will benefit from the improved equipment and training opportunities.

This partnership with Know How North East is part of Warburtons’ national Families Matter programme, which focuses on supporting families in local communities across the UK.

The Access to Opportunities programme will address the high levels of unemployment and deprivation in areas of Stockton and help people gain qualifications.

Know How North East has developed an offer in partnership with Prior Pursglove College in Guisborough to launch a programme of accredited learning for unemployed adults which will be starting in September. Courses will include Business Administration, Health and Social Care, Teaching Assistant, IT and many more.

It is estimated that 100 local residents will benefit from the provision of ICT facilities and a further 100 are expected to attend the weekly education and training courses offered by the centre.

Brett Warburton, Executive Director at Warburtons, said: “We are delighted to be working so closely with Know How North East to support those in the Stockton area. We strive to make a meaningful impact within the communities in which we operate and believe that by working with charities such as Know How North East we can achieve this goal. As a family business, we understand the importance of ensuring local families are being offered opportunities to fulfil their potential, and believe that this donation will provide people in Stockton with the necessary infrastructure and skills they need to improve their prospects.”

Danielle Barnes, Know How North East's chief executive officer, said: “Many local residents have a fear of state services and are reluctant to access the support they need. Our Access to Opportunities project, with the support of Warburtons, will provide local, tailored, accessible ICT and employability training for the residents of Stockton. The donation from Warburtons means that we will be able to reach more people than ever before and make a real difference to employability in the region.”