Households into Work is a unique and innovative programme of support for people living in households across the Liverpool City Region, who because of their circumstances have difficulty finding and sustaining employment.
In light of the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak and the understandable uncertainty this is causing, they would like to assure you that whilst a large number of services are being cancelled / suspended, the Households into Work Team will continue to be available to offer support.
Households into Work is not just about helping people find work but about helping people get to a point where just thinking of employment as a realistic option, is a major step forward.
The advocates work across all 6 of the Liverpool City Region’s local authorities, mostly working on an outreach basis. The advocates provide people who start on the programme with 1:1 support, helping them tackle and resolve issues which are preventing them from seeking employment and for which they have no or limited access to people or services that might otherwise help them. The issues faced by people on the programme are complex and varied including debt and finance, housing, mental health illness, victim of domestic violence, addiction(s), isolation and disaffection. Until such issues are tackled, finding and sustaining employment is a very unlikely and unrealistic expectation.
WHAT A TURNAROUND IN JUST 4 MONTHS!
(A+B) both started on Households into Work in April 2020 with individual support needs including housing, mental health, debt/finance and employment needs. They were having issues with their landlord as the property was in disrepair and they had significant rent arrears.
Our advocate contacted Environmental Health regarding the repairs and a case was opened with the landlord to have the repairs completed. The Advocate encouraged (A+B) to keep to their rent agreement to stop further rent arrears from building up and also referred them to the Homeless Prevention Team to liaise with the landlord on their behalf.
Both (A+B) have mental health issues and our advocate encouraged them to speak to their GP and other mental health services. Since support commenced both (A+B) have been in contact with their GP and are now on the waiting lists to speak with mental health services.
(A) is also being prescribed the correct medication. In addition our advocate has: Supported (B) into employment as a cleaner working part time and provided a monthly bus ticket for her to get to work. Supported (A) with the purchase of a Tablet to access training and complete job search. (B) now says she is more confident and doesn’t feel alone when she is dealing with some of her problems. She also feels like she now has direction in her life.
Meet Alison Banks—Employment Advocate for Households into Work.
“I have over 20 years’ experience of working with people in Merseyside. I really enjoy meeting people in their local communities and helping them through difficult times, problem solving and working with local organisations to connect people to them for specialist support.
I was once a lone parent, unemployed with no qualifications and in debt. I was supported by a great guidance officer who helped with my debt and signposted me to places to learn the skills I would need to progress into work. That was over 20 years ago, and now I still really enjoy working with others to support them to overcome barriers preventing them from thinking about work as a future option and to achieve their dreams and goals. On a personal note I love arts and crafts and enjoy sharing this hobby with my Grandchildren.”
PATHWAYS2WORK
Households into Work are now working in partnership with Jobcentre Plus to tackle digital poverty across the Liverpool City Region.
Jobcentre Plus has commissioned Pathways2Work, a local initiative that can offer digitally excluded customers with the opportunity of owning their own digital device, such as a laptop or PC, and internet access. Customers will receive technical support in setting up and using the device and complete a L1 accredited course in Internet Safety.
To make a referral to Pathways2Work please contact your local Households into Work Team at https://www.liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk/hiw
Meet Heather Shaw — Employment Advocate for Households into Work
“I moved to Liverpool in February 2018 to take up the role of Employment Advocate for Households into Work. Within my role I enjoy working with people and supporting them to develop confidence to work towards achieving their goals. Prior to this I lived in Sheffield for 11 years, spending most of my career working with people with Learning Disabilities. I also have experience working with young people in a college setting, helping them prepare for their lives outside of education.
I have always had a passion for supporting people to meet their full potential helping people to recognise and develop their strengths. Since moving to Liverpool I have built up a really positive partnership network and together we can provide the best possible service for people living in the city region. In my spare time I love to run; completing my first half marathon just before lockdown and I have recently taken up Stand Up Paddle boarding.”
