A Good Deal Better Off

Since JobCentre Plus started the “New Deal for Lone Parent” programme in Morecambe, many people have been helped off benefits and into work.

One of the latest is Ella Newman who has just started working in a cafe, on the prom, after being on benefits for 7 years.

When Ella was first called in for a Work Focussed Interview, she was very worried about what would be expected of her. She was going through family difficulties, and this was affecting her health. However, she was keen to address her problems and take advantage of the help offered to her by her adviser at the job centre, Linda Sims.

She was referred to a mentoring service for personal support, and took careers advice to focus on the best way forward. Ella and Linda agreed that the first move should be a place on a skill building training course to work on her Maths and English where she successfully gained a qualification in both.

As her confidence grew, she accepted a work placement, which she enjoyed. They liked her enough to want to offer her a job, but Ella felt she was not yet ready.

On completion of her course, Ella kept in touch with her adviser, and, when she felt the time was right, Linda helped her to find a position to fit in with her children’s hours. Ella took advantage of the Advisory Discretion Fund to get some new clothes for her interview, and used the references gained from her trainers and work experience.

Ella was successful at interview, and was able to claim the extra incentives available to Lone Parents coming off benefits.

Ella said: “Linda did a ‘Better Off’ calculation for me and I was surprised at how much better off I am working, even just doing 16 hours. This has definitely been a good move for me”.

If you are a lone parent and would like to know how much better off you would be working, ring Linda on 302188 or Peter on 302187 and ask for a ‘Better Off’ calculation.

Not a lone parent? You can still have a calculation by ringing the Jobcentre on 302100 and asking for an appointment with an adviser.

Morecambe Learning Centre Back On Course

The official re-opening of Morecambe Learning Centre was held in September with Geraldine Smith, Labour MP for Morecambe & Lunesdale, cutting the ribbon.

Geraldine’s opening speech expressed her support for this local education venue that brings important skills provision to the heart of the community.

Morecambe Learning Centre has been refurbished and is now open for business Monday – Thursday daytime and evenings. The broad range of provision includes ‘Skills for Life’ numeracy and literacy courses from pre-entry to level 2 (equivalent to GCSE level), ICT courses such as CLAiT, IT Users, and E-mail & Internet, as well as English classes for speakers of other languages.

David Wood, Principal of Lancaster & Morecambe College, says; ‘Morecambe Learning Centre is the flagship of the College’s commitment to its community and to adult learning. The new range of courses have been tailored for local residents and offer a much broader range of choice for our learners. A lot of people have enrolled already and we would very much encourage local residents to visit the centre and talk to staff about courses they would like to see on offer.’

As part of the opening ceremony a cheque was handed over to Cancer Care. The sum of £197 was raised by former students of Morecambe Learning Centre selling off the text books that were no longer required and was presented to Iona Price, Volunteer & Fundraising Co-ordinator for Cancer Care.