Schemes to tackle social exclusion launch in Kent
Three schemes to help people facing social exclusion have launched in West Kent
Nearly £200,000 of funding to transform the job prospects of those struggling to find work in Kent has been confirmed.
Local councils will be providing training to help people learn life skills and get online.
Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council secured the funding for the projects, in partnership with charities and other local authorities.
The council said it hopes this will "open doors to employment" for those taking part.
The first scheme is a ‘volunteering and enrichment’ initiative in partnership with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.
A related ‘life skills’ project, in partnership with Sevenoaks District Council, will provide one-to-one support for people who are struggling to get a job because they lack literacy, numeracy or digital skills.
A third initiative, in partnership with Kent County Council, will tackle digital exclusion by providing lap-tops and training to those who lack the skills and equipment to access employment opportunities.
Cllr Robin Betts, cabinet member for economic regeneration, said:
"These schemes will help overcome the barriers to work which all too often lead to long-term unemployment and people feeling excluded from the jobs market and wider society.
"By equipping them with training, work experience and digital skills we can overcome these obstacles, open doors to employment and help those taking part lead full and productive lives".