A £10 million programme to help people with ill health return to work has been welcomed, with organisations saying additional support in York and North Yorkshire is “needed now more than ever.”

As announced by Government, York and North Yorkshire is one of eight Get Britain Working inactivity trailblazer sites in England and Wales. Led by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, the trailblazer will bring together and maximise existing support and test new approaches.

The trailblazer is being developed ahead of getting underway in April. On Friday (17), the Combined Authority hosts an information webinar, and a follow-up in-person event takes place on Friday 14 February. These events will cover both the trailblazer and Connect to Work programmes.

David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, believes the trailblazer will help “break down some of the barriers” for people wanting to get back into work following ill health.

Leaders from across the region have spoken out, sharing their thoughts on the opportunities created by the new trailblazer funding.

Jennifer Wood, Chair of York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Business Board, said: “This is a terrific opportunity for our region. To be at the helm of getting people back to work is so welcomed by business.  As employers, we recognise the complexities of returning to work after a period of ill health, it is not straightforward; there will be hurdles, many unexpected, but none of which we are afraid to address or handle.

“Our priority is enabling those around us, in our communities, to work, to be independent, to feel fulfilled, to provide for their families and in turn their communities.  I know there so many organisations eager to employ local people and I know I speak on behalf of them all when I say we are ready to embrace this initiative, thrilled to be the trailblazers and passionate about ensuring its’ success.”

News of the trailblazer funding, and Connect to Work programme, has been supported by members of the region’s voluntary, community and social enterprise sector.

Natasha Babar-Evans, pictured, Chief Executive Officer, Better Connect Limited, said: “We are hugely supportive of the announcement to be chosen as a trailblazer area and recognise that this additional support is needed now more than ever.

“Over the past few years, we have seen thousands of individuals on our programmes make incredible progress through accessing tailored, holistic employment support integrated with bespoke health, skills and finance interventions. As a result, many of these individuals have progressed into work, education and training.

“But supporting people back into work is only the first step for many and we also need to focus on helping them to stay in work. The trailblazer fund provides a fantastic opportunity to explore the ways we can continue to support people back into work as well as providing support to employees and employers to ensure people thrive in workplaces that are inclusive and sustainable.

“To make the most of this funding, all the moving parts need to come together and work together. The Combined Authority, VCSE partners, Health and Education services and other place-based stakeholders with a vested interest in supporting people back to work. We have an opportunity to design a way forward that is joined up and that helps people to succeed in life and work, now and in the future.”

Jane Colthup, Chief Executive at Community First Yorkshire said: “North Yorkshire is a vibrant and diverse county, home to a wide range of communities. Community First Yorkshire is delighted that the Trailblazer programme’s support will be focussed on those who need it most, including ex-armed forces personnel and their families, carers, care leavers, and others facing significant challenges in their quest to find employment.

“The voluntary community and social enterprise sector has a vital role to play in connecting eligible individuals to the opportunity to make a positive change in their lives. We will work together to help people re-enter the workforce and thrive so that people can experience the growth in self-esteem and life chances employment brings.

“This collaborative approach will enhance local support systems and create lasting opportunities for people to regain confidence and achieve meaningful employment. Empowering individuals across North Yorkshire to build brighter futures through Connect to Work will benefit our county, in turn increasing productivity, economic impact and social value.”

Local authorities, which oversee public health in our region, are also positive about the trailblazer offer.

Cllr Claire Douglas, Leader of City of York Council, said: “In our council plan, One City for All, we set out our priorities for the city, which include building a thriving and fair economy, and enabling our residents to live happy, healthy and independent lives. We want everyone to have an equal opportunity to achieve their potential – and for some, this means enabling them to begin work or get back into the workplace.

“There is already a huge range of training and development initiatives taking place to support individuals and businesses in the city, from York Learning to our UK Shared Prosperity Fund projects. These projects are making a difference to help York’s residents learn new skills, build confidence and overcome barriers to employment, as well as helping businesses to fill vacancies and make the most of the hidden potential represented by people who may struggle to get into work.

“This latest Trailblazer announcement means that we will be able to go further and faster in supporting our residents and is another great example of how the new combined authority is making a difference to our communities.

“I look forward to seeing the positive impact of these projects for people across our region in the months and years ahead.”

North Yorkshire Council leader, Cllr Carl Les, said: “It will be great to see the positive effect this funding will have for communities in North Yorkshire.

“Schemes like these help individuals overcome significant barriers and achieve their full potential.

“We welcome the funding focusing on supporting those who can work to find secure and meaningful employment. We are also delighted that the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority has been selected to support local people getting healthy and back to work.”

Published on Wednesday 15 January 2025