The Scottish Government

Information

Up to August 2003 there have been approximately 6000 starts with p2w, eight out of ten are male and just under one third are ages 18-24. 25% have dependents and 60% have been out of employment for more than 2 years.

Information from Department of Work and Pensions.

Case studies: P2W

These case studies have been modified to ensure confidentiality but both are based on real-life cases.

Harry has been attending a treatment service for some time and managed to gradually reduce his methadone intake. He has been unemployed for 16 years but for years had an interest in dry-stone dyking. Following a successful rehabilitation programme in which Harry completed the Step Course / Investment in Drama, he became motivated to be referred to P2W. While on P2W, and with help from other agencies, including Action Team for Jobs, Jobcentre Plus and Careers Scotland, Harry was able to attend and make good progress on a training course to become a dry stone waller. Recently, Harry has been approached by a local company offering him work as soon as he qualifies.

Carol was referred to P2W by a voluntary sector drug service in August 2002. She had been unemployed for over one year and was excluded from attending the New Deal provision because of her aggressive behaviour to the Jobcentre staff. Following the initial assessment it was clear that she was willing and eager to stick to her treatment and care programme and improve her employment prospects. Because she had limited work experience she was referred to a Training for Work option with a local training provider in November 2002. This meant that she was eligible for a 10 top up on her Job Seekers Allowance and for help with travel costs. Carol also had to deal with her anger outbursts and develop her self-confidence. She showed commitment and determination in attending the training, which entailed travelling a long distance on a daily basis using public transport. As a result of her commitment during the training period Carol was offered a job with a voluntary agency who is a P2W provider and is still a full-time employee with that agency.

Evidence

The evaluation of NFF Phase 2 found that projects working with clients affected by drug use tend to have less contact with agencies like Jobcentre Plus. This was partly due to NFF staff feeling JCP staff are unable to work with their clients or were worried clients benefits would be threatened (Evaluation of NFF Phase 2, Interim Report).

Service Example

Next Steps Scotland found that using the NFF Employability Framework had the following advantages:

• Provides students and staff with tools to measure success

• Keeps staff focused on students needs

• Creates expectation of success without putting pressure on students

• Empowers students by helping to seek their chosen career direction

The Framework also helps:

• Identifying other specialised services

• Formalising partnership working

• Evidence day to day activities

• Keeps staff focused on organisational goals

Contact Next Steps, 441 High St. Kirkcaldy, Fife KY1 2SN Tel: 01592 268894

Information

Between April 2002 and June 2003 3,617 clients started in the 80 NFF projects. 60% are male, one third are between the ages of 16 - 19 and another quarter age 20-24. Overall, 1,377 clients left NFF programmes, destination is known for 1,086. Of these 11% were referred on to an addiction or drug problem service (Evaluation of NFF Phase 2, Interim Report).

EXAMPLES OF NEW FUTURES FUND PROJECTS

'Women In Work', Hydepark Business Centre, Units 27 & 28, 60 Mullinsburn Street, Glasgow G21 4SS. The project was established in April 2002 to help women in Glasgow aged 16-35 and experiencing difficulties due to substance misuse access education, training and employability services. It is managed by Glasgow Social Work Department and links with appropriate agencies, such as local addiction teams and P2W, to help clients move from 'stable' drug use to education and employment. The project combines personal and social development with other support including job search and visits to FE Colleges. It also offers aftercare support through a 'drop in' service available one evening per week.

Turning Point Scotland, "Chrysalis" 9 Forrest Road, Edinburgh, EH1 2QH

This project operates a structured programme for clients aged 16-34 with the aim of increasing employability, access to paid and voluntary work, and training and education options. The project focuses on achieving realistic move-on/exit strategies for individuals though effective partnership working and using a mixture of one-to-one sessions and groupwork. Introduction to the project is predominantly through CJS, social work and self-referrals. Individuals must be stable before accessing the programme. Significant numbers have progressed directly to employment. Others have gone on to college and even university.

Work Track, "Sorted Programme" Castlebrae Business Centre, Peffer Place, Edinburgh, EH16 4BB

This project provides a quality, client centred pre-vocational programme of guidance and support to facilitate individual key transitions and enables clients aged 16-34 to become more 'opportunity ready' for sustainable experience of training, education or employment.

Local organisations such as the Castle Project and Greater Liberton Drugs Project are amongst the referral organisations, as well as Social Work and DTTO. Careers Scotland and Jewel & Esk Valley College are involved in the delivery of the programe. Clients have moved on to further education, employment and local community learning. Clients who have not moved into specific destinations leave with longer term action plans and an overall improvement in self-confidence and self-belief.

Methadone Activities Programme, "MAP", 117 Brook Street, Bridgeton, Glasgow, G40 3AP

This project works with individuals, employers and other agencies to address and remove the barriers to effective integration for clients aged 16-34 in accessing and sustaining employment and training/education opportunities. This is achieved through providing a framework of personal support to enable clients to integrate fully into a working and/or training/education environment.

The majority of referrals to the programme are made by the wider organisation, as the New Futures Fund is the final stage of a throughcare service. The aim is to assist clients to access employment, education and training as outcomes. To date clients have gone on to undertake computer courses, voluntary work and some clients have accessed and sustained employment over a period of time.

'Move On' Project, Renfrewshire, 20 Back Sneddon St. Paisley PA3 3DJ. The project has been involved in helping people with drug and alcohol problems assess their employability skills and progress to further education, voluntary work, supported employment and eventually full employment. The project works closely with the Reid Kerr FE College to help clients access short courses while accompanied by a project worker. An outreach worker from the local Careers Service works in the project one day per week helping clients with personal presentations, career options, and identifying their skills and interests. The project also employs an Employer Liaison worker linking in with employers and other agencies including progress2work and the Wise Group. The aim of this post also includes raising awareness amongst employers about drug and alcohol issues and how they relate to employment.

EXAMPLES of inclusiveness Projects

Dunbartonshire and Lomond Inclusiveness Project: The project aims to ensure a seamless transition and support to young people age 14-24 moving through education, training and employment. Support includes a new employability programme and a mentoring scheme, early intervention, transitional support and post-school support.

Grampian Inclusiveness Project: The project has a strong focus on cross agency training and development of staff. It targets looked after young people and those with chaotic lifestyles and autism. Key workers provide mentoring to clients as well as to the business sector.

Examples of Beattie Inclusiveness Supported Employment Projects 2002-4

Dunbartonshire - West Region: The project has been set up to extend the development of the local Positive Futures / Inclusiveness and JOBlink projects to include young people aged 15-18. The delivery model of the project includes 3 strands: initial assessment, action planning and opportunity awareness. This stage provides the key elements of vocational profiling, job analysis and job development; and identification of suitable employers: Based on the needs and aspirations of both employers and clients, this stage matches clients with employers; and offers post placement support. This is an enhanced induction phase involving client, employer and project worker. Specific elements of job coaching support are agreed and regular contact and support offered.

Glasgow - West Region: Aimed at young people who are motivated and able to access employment but require additional specialised support to sustain employment. The project provides vocational profiling, job shadowing and short placement opportunities, integration of clients within the workplace, paid work, job coaching, support and training to mentors in the workplace. Clients have the opportunity to progress to full-time employment but also reduce their hours at time of crisis.

North East Region - Tayside: The project concentrates on young people in the Forfar area. A Supported Employment Advisor provides support to both clients and employers. The project aims to build on existing services to help clients become job-ready and assist them into employment. Initially the project will work with employers from the retail, hospitality and customer service areas.

For information contact: Beattie Implementation Team, 0141 242 0133,beattie@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

Beattie Inclusiveness Projects: Case Studies

• 'A' is 16 and has been attending the On-Track Club pilot project run by Careers Scotland. The project takes place in schools to assist young people who are underachieving. 'A' comes from a difficult home background, was poorly motivated, lacked confidence and had been failing to achieve her full potential at school. At the Club, she gained in confidence and took on a leadership role. She was awarded the end of term Careers Scotland prize for the most improved student in On-Track within her school. 'A' is now considering Sports and Leisure as a possible career and has been successful in gaining a place at the local college on the Intermediate 2 course for Leisure and Recreation, starting September 2003.

• 'B' is 17 and left school in summer 2002. He was placed on the Get Ready for Work training programme by Careers Scotland but was asked to leave due to behavioural and personal problems. For a while 'B' disengaged from contact with anyone. However, through the intervention of an outside organisation working with his family, he now has the services of a Key Worker supporting him in confidence-building and working with other people. 'B' is currently undergoing a placement at a local Golf Course and is planning to train as a Green- Keeper.

• 'C' stopped attending school mid-way through 3 ^rd year because of school, social and family circumstances. She was referred by the school and social work to a C.S.V project, helping 2 days a week at a local nursery. This stopped her from becoming completely isolated. 'C' missed the chance to sit 'S' Grade exams and as soon as she left school registered at the local Careers Scotland Centre. A referral was made to a Key Worker in July 2001, when it was becoming apparent that she needed intensive and ongoing support in order to overcome various barriers to employability.

A range of assessment work highlighted 'C's need for help with literacy, numeracy and IT skills. She was referred to a volunteer programme and a supported training programme. Both were initially unsuccessful but revealed deeper confidence issues that had to be explored over a number of one-to-one sessions with the Key Worker. However, eventually 'C' felt ready to try a 'Taster Day' at the Princes Trust with her Key Worker going along for moral support. This proved a success and, although she was still very apprehensive, 'C' agreed to start the programme in January 2002. By week 4 she had settled completely and was considered a key player/leader in the group. The Key Worker maintained contact to ensure sustainability, and at the end of the 12 week programme 'C' was successful in finding a work placement in a nursing home. This placement linked to a supported training programme - Get Ready for Work - with a local provider.

'C's confidence and self-esteem were developed by this planned support to the stage where she felt able and willing to undertake the selection process for a place on a Raleigh International expedition. She was successful in this attempt and, with help from a range of partner agencies and individuals, managed to collect the money and equipment required to go on the Raleigh expedition to Central America from October 2002 - January 2003. After this life changing experience 'C' returned to work part-time at an After School Project whilst looking for her next job.

EXAMPLES of NOF Projects

Access to Industry - Transition: an educational programme aiming to support people recovering from substance misuse back into the community through education, training and employment. It will establish new pathways towards social and economic inclusion for unemployed people or those living in Edinburgh SIPs area.

South Lanarkshire Council Positive Employer Attitudes and Real Lives (PEARL): this scheme will assist 120 employers and create job opportunities for 30 people with a history of substance misuse. It will offer services and support to employers helping them employing and retaining these individuals.

Orkney Islands Property Developments Limited, Supporting Tenancies Project: a support worker will help people adjust after detoxification. The worker will help people find accommodation, maintain tenancy, access further education and work-base training, and prevent relapse.

New Horizons Community Rehabilitation Service, Glasgow: aims to help people moving on from drug use to access education, training and employment opportunities. The focus is on building local partnerships to deliver tailored support packages to 60 individuals.

Apex Trust Scotland, City Connection, Edinburgh: the project will support 180 people with drug misuse problems progress into employment, training education. It will provide tailored programme (including outdoors activities) addressing social and personal barriers, legitimate economic activity and inclusion.

East Renfrewshire Council Substance misuse Team: the project will provide people affected by substance misuse a range of activities and interventions to develop confidence, practical skills, access education and training, and progress employment.

Apex Trust Scotland Throughcare, Ayrshire and Arran: the service will work with prisoners nearing release to increase employability skills, employment opportunities and assist with accommodation problems. It will provide individual tailored programme addressing barriers, legitimate economic activity and inclusion.

Alcohol and Drugs Support South West Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway: the project will address the multiple barriers people with substance misuse problems face in moving towards training and employment. It will do this by providing psychological support and a range of one to one training in core skills, basic adult education and employment skills.

For information contact: The NOF Scotland Information Team 0141 242 7800

Example

Six Mary's place Guest House is one of five social firms developed and managed by Forth Sector in Edinburgh. Opened in 1992, it employs people affected by mental health problems. Over 100 individuals have worked and trained in the guesthouse and it is run as an ordinary commercial business. It provides support and training for its staff, including a transitional employment initiative with local hotels.

EXAMPLES of Local Employability sub-groups

Ayrshire and Arran ADAT has established an employability sub-group bringing together representatives from SDF, Careers Scotland, P2W, Scottish Enterprise, Chamber of Commerce, Addiction Projects, SIPs and FE Colleges. The aim is to bridge the gap between treatment and employment agencies, map existing services and inform the work of the ADAT.

Argyll and Clyde ADAT has a short life working group on employability. The group held an event focussing on the difficulties and issues faced by recovering drug users on a methadone script who are also in employment. Specific issues, including ways of ensuring that a daily dispensing of methadone can be managed within a full time job were discussed. The event brought together GPs, nurses, pharmacists, drugs and employability agencies, service users and families.

In Fife the DAAT decided that in order to encourage partnership it will join the existing Employability Access Group rather than develop a new group. The group is chaired by Fife's progress2work co-ordinator and includes representation from the DAAT, Fife Council Employability & Social Inclusion team, specialist treatment and care services, SAD, SDF and Training For Work providers. The group has put together a bid for the New Opportunities Fund to develop a service that will provide support to individuals when they enter employment as well as providing support to employers.

Midlothian DAAT has set up an Employment Action Group to develop an inclusive strategy to help those furthest from the labour market, including people with substance misuse issues, access employment opportunities. The group has conducted a mapping exercise and a needs assessment that focused on developing a 'one stop shop' approach to employment access services. It has developed an Employment Action Strategy and is currently in the process of prioritising actions to be taken forward by three task groups involving representatives from a wide range of employment agencies.

The Borders DAAT Employability sub-group began meeting in November 2002. It is chaired by the area's SDF employability co-ordinator and includes representatives from Jobcentre Plus, progress2work, Apex, a range of statutory and voluntary treatment and care services, Scottish Enterprise and a FE college. The group has undertaken to conduct a mapping exercise to provide a clearer understanding of employability pathways in the area, and will follow the mapping by a full needs assessment exercise. Other key functions of the group are networking, sharing of information, reviewing work experiences and raising employability of the agenda of the DAAT. The group will also write an employability strategy and priorities for action.