This programme, which offers enhanced information advice & guidance to offenders under the supervision of Northumbria Probation Trust came to an end (31st December 2010). Since November 2008over 700 people have accessed the service in an effort to improve their employability. One to one guidance and support has been given on a range of issues thus helping people to remove barriers that may have prevented them from entering training or employment. Soft skills and employment related to support, such as completing CV's, letters of application, davice on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and confidence and motivation training have all comtributed to making this programme a success.

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Progress 2 Work assists those with a history of substance misuse to engage with the world of work and, through training, support and other interventions, secure and maintain suitable and sustainable employment.

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Ease unpaid Work aims to help those who have been handed a community payback sentence to improve their employability prospects. Once a person has been identified as being suitable they are required to attend the course for three days, over three consecutive weeks. The course is delivered on a group basis and follows an accredited programme in employabilty skills. 'Moving On' is Ease's specially designed workbook and includes training and advice on CV preparation, interview techniques (including mock interviews), letter writing skills and effective job search. The course is delivered by an ease trainer who is supported by an employement officer. As part of each person's exit strategy from the course, the employement officer meets on a one to one basis with each service user to offer support and guidance in sourcing suitable employement or training opportunities. Further support is also offered to open a bank account or obtaining appropriate ID to ensure that the service users are fully equipped to enter the world of work. The programme is delivered in the Greater Manchester area with workshops covering Manchester North and South, Salford, Bolton, Oldham, Tameside, Stockport, Bury, Wigan and Rochdale.

Complimenting existing services across the National Probation Trust areas of Northumbria and Durham/Teeside HMP Castington and HMP Prison Acklington, this project works with offenders to improve their employability through a range of soft progression activity to promote job readiness and the achievement of sustainable employment.

This pilot project works with offenders who are subject to an NDAR (New Directions Activity Requirement) across Manchester City Probation area offices. Aimed at breaking down barriers to sustainable employment, advisors work with offenders alongside their order and continue post order completion to analyse the effect on re-offending rates.

On behalf of Wigan MBC, we provide the funding and the opportunity for clients attending the Leigh Skills shop to receive one-to-one support whilst working towards and achieving the CSCS Health and Safety certificate. In the last 12 months 102 clients achieved their certificate, therefore helping them to move forward into achieving sustainable employment within their chosen field.