Funding for organisations helping people back to work

Tilbury Community-led Local Development has opened its second round of applications offering funding to organisations that support residents into work.

The programme, part-subsidised by the European Structural and Investment Fund, aims to back organisations that reach out to those living in Tilbury St Chads ward and Tilbury Riverside and Thurrock Park ward who are unemployed and face considerable barriers to getting into work.

Successful providers will support residents to overcome these obstacles and move into jobs, education or training. The project will run to March 2022.

Deborah Huelin, councillor for central services and communities, said: "This project seeks to reach out to people who need help most to overcome some of the key barriers to employment, including both physical and mental health.

"Thurrock is undergoing huge regeneration and, as one of the borough’s growth hubs, Tilbury is an important part of that, with plans including the proposed expansion of the Port of Tilbury. This programme will play an important role in ensuring that the town’s residents have the skills they need to benefit from the employment opportunities that are being created.

"The community will be right at the heart of the project, working with private, public and voluntary sector organisations to develop tailored and accessible support services that are right for Tilbury."

The deadline for the second round applications is midnight on Sunday 17 November 2019.

For more information and to complete an eligibility questionnaire, go to strongertogether.org.uk/Grants_for_organisations_25385.aspx

The programme also seeks to help the development of 40 new small and medium enterprises through start-up grants, as well as offering support to existing businesses with funding available for upgrading shop fronts and other improvements.

There is an open application process for businesses with details at bestgrowthhub.org.uk/how-can-we-help-you/financing-a-business/grants/