Inspiring stories abound at Accelerate celebration

"Whatever the challenge facing an individual and whatever journey they are on, we are there with lots of support"

A project which has helped thousands of disadvantaged people build their confidence and find employment during the last six years was celebrated at an event this month.

The Accelerate project, managed by Coventry and Warwickshire CDA, is a partnership of local organisations which provides co-ordinated support for people who are at a disadvantage when looking for work.

Since its creation in 2016, it has supported 2,054 individuals (a 50/50 split of men and women) towards gaining employment. Those clients include 892 people with disabilities, 538 aged 50 or over, who are ineligible for many other sources of similar support which are aimed at younger people, and 688 from ethnic minorities.

Of those 2,054 clients, 1,411 said they ended the project with increased confidence and ready to embark on employment. But while every person helped towards work is celebrated, Accelerate is about much more than that.

Coventry and Warwickshire CDA Operations Manager, Mandy Bygrave, said: "We love it when clients enter employment and we are very proud of every one that achieves that, but success is measured in many other ways. It could be learning a new language or walking out of the front door for the first time in ages.

"Whatever the challenge facing an individual and whatever journey they are on, we are there with lots of support, whether that is mental health or wellbeing support, building confidence or through cooking, craft or online courses. Accelerate can adapt to help anybody. It is inspirational for staff, partners and participants."

The project, funded by the European Social Fund and the National Lottery Community Fund, has also been supported by Warwickshire County Council.

WCC Portfolio Holder for Economy & Place, Cllr Martin Watson, said: “The Accelerate project has transformed many lives of people from our region. The achievements of both the clients and the people that support them are truly inspiring and I am pleased that the celebration event was justifiably well-attended.”

For more information about the Accelerate Project, to refer a client or to join Accelerate, please visit https://www.accelerate.org.uk/

For more information about Coventry & Warwickshire CDA, please visit http://www.cwcda.co.uk/home

To contact Mandy Bygrave please email: m.bygrave@cwcda.co.uk or call 024 7663 3911.