Access Enterprise Project

Description

The project will include a Volunteer Mentor Training programme to engage members of the community to train as Volunteer Mentors to support project clients. The Mentors will receive a full and accredited programme of training and support, and once fully trained, Mentors will contribute to the support offered to clients through the project, by offering practical support to move towards employment and emotional support for health related needs.

The project will also offer a brokerage and support service for employers and employees for those wishing to access employment rather than becoming self employed. Through this project we will also specifically target people facing multiple exclusion such as BME groups, disabled people, single parents, victims of domestic violence, people with drug or alcohol dependency. This will be done through cross referral across the programme.

Access Enterprise was an exciting Mental Health and Enterprise Project for people who had experience of mental ill health in and lived in Liverpool, Sefton and Knowsley. It offered the opportunity to explore entrepreneurship and self-employment as an alternative to traditional routes to employment, which, for a number of reasons, was not appropriate to that specific target group. Involvement in the project was not time limited but tailored to individual needs.

Targets

People facing multiple exclusion such as BME groups, disabled people, single parents, victims of domestic violence, people with drug or alcohol dependency

Outputs

There were 3 main elements to the project, all designed to ensure the client got the support they needed to explore their ideas and options. The programme was tailored to their individual needs but did include:

• Business planning workshops, training and advice

• Advocacy and practical support

• Volunteer Mentoring.

Partners

The project was delivered in partnership by Network Employment, Mersey Care NHS Trust and Elect. Both services had experienced and excellent track records in helping people to access the world of work.

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For more info: please visit: www.accessenterprise.org