Jobs and Training
A jobs fair was held in the Arndale Centre where local employers had stalls with details of their latest vacancies and application forms. Also in attendance were staff from the Inland revenue and Social services. Members of the public were able to talk through the application process informally and get tips on completing forms correctly, and get advice on benefits implications
A Business Advisor post was funded for three years to assist and support local businesses and start-ups. A forum was established for local business owners and was well attended due to the number of quality speakers who were invited to attend. As a result of the business forum, a request came about to produce a shopping guide to promote the large number of independent specialist shops in Poulton. The ‘Poulton Shopping and Heritage Guide’ was such a success that it had to be re-printed in larger quantities and has been reproduced for a second year.
The ‘Minimising Debt, Maximising Income’ project taught local people how to manage budgets and understand and maximise relevant benefits. Many people were not claiming benefits that they were entitled to or were unsure how to apply for benefit.
Through the ‘quick response’ fund PNM has contributed to:
- Assisting local artists in setting up community art centre
- Assisting the Credit Union with purchasing equipment
- Running ‘money gremlin’ courses in co-operation with Jobcentre Plus.
Neighbourhood management projects often cross over into more than one of our thematic areas. Jobs and training can often have an impact on education and also a knock on effect on health and crime.
