New Breckland plan launched in bid to raise work chances

A new project has been launched to help people in the Swaffham area to find work.

District council leaders have teamed up with government and local business agencies to launch the TripStart Breckland scheme, which aims to help people with issues such as transport to job interviews, training and mentoring.

Breckland Council is using part of a £1.5 million fund for community initiatives to boost employment opportunities to fund the programme, which is being by the Dereham-based KickStart, alongside funding from the Department for Work and Pensions and the New Anglia local enterprise partnership.

The scheme is open to anyone in the district aged 18 or over who is either unemployed or economically inactive.

The authority’s deputy leader, Sam Chapman-Allen, said: “TripStart is an innovative pilot scheme which aims to break down barriers for residents looking to find employment.

“By working with people to build their confidence and self-esteem and by helping to identify suitable vacancies and get to the interview, we hope more people will be able to get back into work, become more independent, and improve their lives.

“We’ve set aside significant funding to support a number of projects like this, which collectively will help people into work and support local businesses to succeed.”

Residents should speak to their local Job Centre or call TripStart on 01362 699923 for more information or a referral.