TWO new services aim to help people aged 25 and older across County Durham into employment, thanks to European funding.
The Community Led Local Development (CLLD) North Durham Assist and South Employability Mentoring projects will help people take practical steps to get into work or start their own business.
The projects, launched with over £350,000 of European Social Investment funding, will offer one to one support, helping people to develop the skills they need to stand out in the job market.
The two projects aim to support more than 425 participants in the next three years, tailoring help to people’s individual circumstances.
Part of the projects’ funding has been used to employ two specialist mentors, Alison Shann, who will work in the north of the county, and Debbie Watson, who will cover the south.
Ms Shann said: “Debbie and I work in communities to deliver information, advice and guidance, offering help with tasks such as CV writing, preparing for interviews, job searching and finding volunteering or work experience placements.
“We can also give any budding entrepreneurs advice on how to set up their own business.”
Residents who are not in employment can access support by contacting Durham County Council’s Employability Team on 03000 262009.
