Healthier Working Futures, Leeds is an exciting new partnership of health, care and third sector partners who have received funding from the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund. Following a competitive application process, we were the only project to be selected in Leeds and just one of seven projects across West Yorkshire.
The aim of the project is to help young adults, aged 16-25, to develop the confidence, skills, interest and insight that will enable them to take advantage of fulfilling employment opportunities in the health and care sector. This is a rapidly growing sector and one where there are numerous job vacancies from entry level to management and leadership roles. The innovative model is based on a partnership approach that will create a joined-up pathway from engagement, through job readiness and coaching to paid employment. To find out about the opportunities, events and courses available for young people to book onto now, please visit this page.
Representatives from the wider health and care sector (health centres, hospitals, the care sector, primary and secondary care) have highlighted appropriate entry level roles where vacancies currently exist in Leeds. A range of charities and third sector partners have been appointed to run a programme of activity to equip young people with the skills and confidence they need to apply for the identified roles and/or other positions within the wider sector. This will include: engagement activities; briefing and information sessions; visits to health and care premises; and 1-1 employability support such as writing a cv, completing online applications and interview practice. The intended outcomes are that young adults are: in paid employment in the health and care sector; actively applying for roles; or undertaking further training or education.
The project is being co-ordinated by the Leeds Health and Care Academy, a ground-breaking collaboration of Leeds health, care and university partners who design and deliver collaborative and transformative learning and development opportunities for all health and care staff across the city. They will encourage active engagement with primary and secondary health care providers, as well as health and care organisations from the private and voluntary sectors. The Leeds Health and Care Academy is a delivery partner of this project, together with the Lighthouse Futures Trust and East Leeds Project. The programme will complement the excellent work that is already taking place regarding inclusivity and equality through initiatives such as: the Leeds Inclusive Anchors programme; the Leeds Health and Care Careers programme; the I… Care Ambassadors programme; and the Developing You programmes led by the Employment and Skills team at Leeds City Council. In order to fully engage young adults, visual arts organisation the East Leeds Project have created a mobile makerspace called “KIOSK” which will be used as a pop-up venue across the city.
Healthier Working Futures, Leeds will run from November 2021 to the end of June 2022 and plans to engage over 600 young adults aged 16-25 who are unemployed/economically inactive, particularly those who face multiple and diverse barriers to employment.
If you are aged 16-25 and would like more information about how you can get involved with Healthier Working Futures, register here and one of our advisors will be in touch.
If you want to find out how you can support the programme in general, for example by helping us to promote activity, by offering roles in health and care, or by becoming a partner, please email leeds.crf@nhs.net for more information.
