More than two thousand people in Greater Manchester have started new jobs with the help of GC Employment. The programmes they run are aimed at making a lasting difference by supporting individuals to gain meaningful employment, improving their quality of life for both their families and for their communities. Between March 2022 and March 2023, GC Employment has helped 2,358 people in Greater Manchester to start new jobs, engaging with a total 4,038 people across the city region through the Restart Scheme and the Working Well, Work and Health programme. Commissioned by the Department for Work and Pensions, the Restart Scheme provides up to 12 months of enhanced employability support to help people find sustained employment in their local area. People taking part in the programme are provided with personalised and tailored support from dedicated advisors to support them to access the range of services and support available to help build their confidence, wellbeing, skills and motivation. GC Employment delivers the Restart Scheme in Greater Manchester on behalf of Ingeus, the prime provider for the region. When Neil was referred to the Restart Scheme, he had suffered for years with mental health issues and disappointments that had left him lacking faith in the support available for him. However, working with his Restart Advisor Alex gave Neil fresh hope and belief in himself and the opportunities open to him. He began the process of starting up his own business, forming a collective of freelancers offering marketing and business support services, with funding through the Restart Scheme to pay for new computer equipment. Neil said that this has been a transformative experience for him: “It’s been excellent. Alex has been on point, displaying a lot of patience with me, which can be testing, as I’m not the easiest person to deal with. All in all, I’ve had a positive experience and look forward to having it come to fruition when my doors open.” Alex, Restart Advisor, said: “Neil’s transformation has been wonderful to witness. He is channelling the frustration from the past to put everything into his new business for success. I believe Neil will be as successful as he wants to be with the freelance collective. “The funded equipment was a sign that there is help available. On top of that, Neil has never missed an appointment to develop his business strategy, and personally I am very proud of his achievements so far. One to watch!” Michelle Leeson, Managing Director of GC Employment, said: “Programmes like Restart are helping to make a lasting difference within Greater Manchester, and show what can be achieved when you open up employment opportunities to people who need them the most. “At a time when so many people are struggling, the work that GC Employment and its partners does is so important to give them the chance to gain the support, the training and the opportunities they need to find and keep jobs.” The Growth Company delivers employment services across the north of England, with a 2022/23 turnover of £50m, with recent expansions of its employment and justice services as well as new specialist markets including finance, benefit and debt, peer mentoring, refugee support and specialist health programmes. For more information visit: https://www.gcemployment.uk/
