1. Building Better Opportunities Stafford & South Staffordshire
Ryan Cresswell
BBO Project Coordinator
South Staffordshire Council
This project is funded by the European Social Fund and the National Lottery, through the Big Lottery Fund.

2. Objectives Who are we? How does the Programme work?
What have we achieved so far?
How can you find out more information or refer into the programme?

3. What is Building Better Opportunities?
Building Better Opportunities (BBO) Stafford and South Staffordshire is an award winning partnership of organisations delivering a programme jointly funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and European Social Fund (ESF), aimed at supporting people who are not currently in work move closer to employment and/or training. We do this through a range of one-to-one support and tailored training to boost self confidence and wellbeing. The programme is completely free, meaning participants are able to focus 100% on improving their personal, financial and employability skills one step at a time. Every person that joins us has an individual action plan that aligns with their personal needs. The programme is currently funded until December 2019, however we have been informed by the Lottery that we have been granted additional funding that will extend the program until end of 2022.
Community / ESF funded
Not in work
Tailored 1:1 support & training
Individual action plan
overcome the barriers

4. Participant is referred to the programme
How we do this?
Participant is referred to the programme
An Advocate arranges an initial interview and completes a needs assessment to identify areas where support is required.
A personal action plan is completed with expected outcomes, in agreement with the participant.
Referrals are made to
partners
The participant will be supported to attend courses and team activities or receive one-to-one support, usually at a work club.
Travel will be arranged and other expenses considered.
After 3 months a review is undertaken to identify if the barriers have reduced.
Outcomes are met
Once the participant has met the outcomes, they will exit the programme. However, ongoing support will be available at the work clubs.
Referrals allocated to advocates (LD passed to beam)
Need assessment and action plan
Supported to attend courses and activities and 1:1 support, usually at work clubs
Travel and other expenses are considered
3 months review undertake (incentive)
Exit on outcome

5. The Needs Assessment and Training interests:
Types of Training:
Basic Skills
Business Skills
Retail
Job Search
Job Specific Skills
Life Skills
Personal Skills
Self-Care & Living Skills
Managing Money
Social Networks & Relationships
Drug & Alcohol issues
Physical Health
Emotional & Mental Health
Basic Skills
Team Working Skills
Communication Skills
Job Search Skills
Housing
Self-Care & Living Skills
Managing Money
Social Networks & Relationships
Drug & Alcohol issues
Physical Health
Emotional & Mental Health
Basic Skills
Team Working Skills
Communication Skills
Job Search Skills
Housing

6. What does the BBO Partnership offer participants?
1:1 Support
Financial Advice
Supported Volunteering
Tailored Training
Careers Advice
Support with Learning difficulties
Jobs and Training Bulletins
11 Work Clubs
10 week confidence and wellbeing course
ICT Coaching
Housing Advice
Support with Domestic Violence

8. Current training on offer
Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in the Workplace
Level 2 Award in Manual Handling Principles and Practice
Level 2 Award in Basic Life Support and the Safe Use of an Automated External Defibrillator
Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering
Financial Confidence
Power to Change
Cook and Eat Well
Safer Surfing
Intermediate IT Skills
Open Up- Confidence & Personal Development Course

9. What has BBO achieved so far?
486 participants have signed up to the programme since January 2017
69 participants have found work
44 participants who were previously Economically Inactive have moved into job searching and are now work ready
79 participants have left the programme and moved into accredited training
79% of those who stayed on the programme 10 weeks or more have reported they now have few barriers to employment.

10. If you have any questions or to find out more information or

11. Finally!
Hear from some of the participants we have already helped. C:\Users\cressry\Pictures\Exported videos\New video_Large.mp4