Are you an employer with operations based in the North East? Would you like to connect with your local community? You may have insight and opportunities to offer to unemployed participants on the Wise Steps programme.
Wise Steps is a social inclusion programme delivered across Tyne and Wear.
It is available to people who are of working age, unemployed or economically inactive, are socially excluded and have multiple barriers to work, including women, lone parents, carers, people over 50, people with disabilities, Black or Minority Ethnic (BME) groups, refugees, ex-offenders, homeless people, and former substance misusers.
We help people to access employment and work experience opportunities as well as supporting them to achieve qualifications and improve their wellbeing and life choices. It is delivered by a wide partnership of local organisations, providing intensive coaching and support, as well as activities such as confidence building courses, debt advice, or counselling.
You can read about some of our participants’ success stories here or more information on our programme, head over to our main page.
Since 2018, we have welcomed over 3000 participants from across the Tyne & Wear area onto the Wise Steps programme.
Of those, 900 have gone on to enter employment, self-employment, education or training and another 130 participants have begun job-searching after previous economic inactivity.
We also work closely with participants to improve their overall health and wellbeing as a real priority outcome. Individuals can access both 1:1 and group counselling opportunities through our unique Reconnect service – and attend virtual and in-person group social activities to grow confidence and positive mind-set.
Whether you’re a multinational corporation, SME, self-employed or anything in between, there are various ways that you can support participants on the Wise Steps programme as part of your commitment to corporate social responsibility.
We will use our experience to ensure that any opportunity you’re able to offer to the Wise Steps programme will be mutually beneficial for us and you!
We recognise that recent events have been challenging for businesses across the North East and as such, we’re here to listen, support and connect you with suitable opportunities that will help your organisation to grow. Here at Wise Steps, we believe that by connecting with our local communities, even in a small way, we can improve opportunities for all.
If we place an individual within your organisation, we are able to offer ‘In-Work Support’ for both your business and the individual, including – coaching for the participant to aid with the transition into working life, guidance around reasonable adjustments, and financial support for workwear and equipment.
“The Wise Group share our ethos and it has been a pleasure working alongside their Wise Steps team to give Shibu the opportunity and support he needs” – Jeff Hurst, Chief Executive at YMCA Newcastle upon Tyne
Learn more about our participant Shibu and his positive experience gained by undertaking a voluntary placement working at a local café.
We’d love to get to know you!
Whether you have further questions about Wise Steps and the services we provide, have opportunities to offer our participants or would just like to chat about ways that we can work together, please do contact us.
Reach out to your local Employer Engagement Co-ordinator to find out more, we look forward to chatting to you soon:
Donna Barker
Newcastle Futures (Newcastle upon Tyne and North Tyneside)
donna.barker@newcastlefutures.co.uk | 07972 856 303
Dianne Watson
The Wise Group (South Tyneside, Gateshead & Sunderland)
dianne_watson@thewisegroup.co.uk | 07540719658
