MORE than 3,000 people have been supported to move closer to work through housing-led employability schemes.
In the past two years, housing providers in the North East have helped social housing residents and community members access employment and training through programmes funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
The support has helped more than 3,000 people move closer to work, with over 1,000 now in employment.
Jenny Allinson, chair of the Housing Employment Network North East (HENNE) and executive director of communities at Bernicia, said: "The success of these programmes demonstrates the power of housing providers working together to support local people and communities.
"We would like to thank our funders and partners whose commitment and investment have made this possible.
"Housing organisations are uniquely placed to reach people who may be furthest from the labour market, building trusted relationships and providing support at a pace that works for them."
HENNE and members of the North East and Tees Valley Housing Partnerships have worked together on the initiative.
In a region with high economic inactivity and the lowest employment rate in England, the results highlight the value of collaborative, locally delivered support.
From 2024 to 2026, HENNE secured more than £6.5 million in UKSPF funding to deliver three key programmes: BOOST, New Start, and Green Start.
BOOST is designed for people facing multiple barriers to employment and offers person-centred support focused on confidence building, skills development, training, and work readiness.
Over the past two years, BOOST has assisted 2,670 people, with 872 now in paid employment.
The New Start and Green Start programmes offer paid five-month work placements for adults aged 18 and over, even if they have no prior experience.
Participants receive ongoing support from an employment advisor and can explore opportunities in sectors such as green energy, engineering, hospitality, and construction.
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In the last two years, 197 people have undertaken work placements through these schemes, and 75 per cent have either stayed with their employer or gone on to secure other work.
Funding has been distributed across the region, including £3.5 million for Tees Valley, £2.8 million for Newcastle, Northumberland, North and South Tyneside, and £220,000 for County Durham.
Lynsey Sweeney, managing director of Communities that Work, said: "The collective impact HENNE has had via this funding is a great example of how collaboration can help overcome barriers to employment and create lasting opportunities for social housing residents."
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