All of which can help our service users:- experience new things
- take their first steps towards a job and independence
- provide training
- employment opportunities
- work placements for our service users
East Potential relies on revenue funding to provide its wide range of employment, training and other support services.
In 2005/06, just under £1.3 million was received from 31 different grant funding sources.
This funding is vital to ensure that we meet the diverse and changing needs of all the people with whom we work.
Financial Support
For example, through financial support from the Learning and Skills Council, we were able to deliver the Community Champions programme.
The programme focuses on providing local residents with the skills and qualifications to perform outreach work and gain confidence, enabling them to boost their career opportunities.
Over 20 residents participated in the last programme, some of whom were placed into work experience placements and have now moved on to full-time employment.
Volunteering, mentoring and corporate placements
Companies can also support our work by providing corporate volunteers who can act as mentors for our residents, and work placement opportunities.
We have a very comprehensive and award winning Routes to Work Programme which focuses on getting our local residents into work placements.
We are particularly keen to recruit mentors to work on a one-to-one basis with our residents, supporting them to become independent and make career choices.
Vicky a lawyer from Herbert Smith, Solicitors said of the scheme "The young people are so full of enthusiasm and interest and just need a bit of guidance to get them going in the right direction."