KINDNESS-FIRST COMMUNITY PROJECT BOOSTS SKILLS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR TOXTETH RESIDENTS

A new project in Liverpool 8 is changing how communities access employment support by focusing on kindness first. Part of the national JobsPlus programme, this pilot is connecting up to 2000 people in 1000 Toxteth homes with personalised job-finding services. 

What makes it unique? 

The project takes a “no wrong door” approach. No matter where someone starts or which service they access first, they’re quickly directed to the right support to help them find work or improve their career. 

The Toxteth pilot, one of ten across the UK, each led by a housing association, is funded by the Department of Work and Education. Plus Dane Housing leads the Liverpool project. 

JobsPlus Toxteth has a community space on Kelvin Grove and is run by Transform Lives Company (TLC). TLC focuses on helping individuals and the community thrive, using kindness as its starting point. Its work has already had a positive impact on many residents in the area. 

The JobsPlus community space 

The JobsPlus community space offers residents a welcoming “one-stop-shop” for finding jobs, training, or volunteering opportunities. The team provides tailored advice to help people improve their career prospects or transition into work. Even those already employed can seek help to progress in their careers. 

Support isn’t limited to work-related advice, either. The team also offers guidance on wellbeing, housing, managing benefits, and the cost of living. The goal is to ensure that every resident feels supported in a warm and inviting space. 

Building a stronger community 

Local community champions are key in spreading the word about JobsPlus and its services while listening to residents’ needs. This feedback helps shape the service so it continues to address the real challenges faced by the community. 

Also, financial aid is available to residents starting new jobs, making it easier for them to move from receiving benefits into employment. 

Breaking barriers 

By focusing on people’s unique needs and prioritising inclusivity, JobsPlus is breaking down traditional barriers to employment. It’s providing Toxteth residents with tools to build stronger futures and improve their living standards.

JobsPlus Inspiration

The JobsPlus programme is based on successful projects run in New York’s Bronx and other cities across America. The programme can improve economic benefits and educational attainment for communities by addressing multiple barriers simultaneously. Residents are equipped with the skills, confidence, and financial resources they need to become economically active.

Taking control of their lives

Sharon Oluwakemi Lane, a project manager with TLC, says:

‘We have helped local residents identify their skills and empowered them through coaching, driving significant success. The team has helped residents understand the hidden jobs market – positions employers don’t publicly recruit for – and given them transferable skills. Many residents have gained the confidence to move into employment.

‘People now feel more in control of their lives, mentally resilient, better equipped to handle setbacks, and more connected to their community. Having this community space directly in their neighbourhood has been transformational for them.’

Success stories

Success stories include Toxteth resident Balvinder, who joined JobsPlus for help with employment. She learned about the service and thought what was on offer seemed different. She wasn’t using all her skills in her part-time job, so she decided to contact JobsPlus.

Sharon explains what happened next:

‘Tapping into the support on offer, including weekly coaching sessions and professional emotional support from our partner First Person Project, Balvinder has improved her confidence. Alongside her existing job as a lollipop lady, she is now looking for a job in administration, and JobsPlus is guiding her in finding jobs in the hidden jobs market.

‘We knew she had the skills; Bavinder’s story shows that identifying someone’s unique qualities brings positive results.’

Another success story is that of ex-postman George, who was made redundant after 25 years of service. In his first encounter with JobsPlus, his confidence and motivation were low, and he was plagued by self-doubt. Through coaching sessions, he brushed up on his digital skills and realised his many attributes, such as being reliable and hardworking. He produced his CV, gained his first interview in 23 years, and secured a job.

Sharing insights

The final word goes to Tracy Fishwick, the managing director at TLC. She says:

‘Plus Dane invited us to lead this exciting project, and we are thrilled to be at its heart. JobsPlus launched at a pivotal moment, just one day after a new government took office, immediately signalling its mission to localise employment support. JobsPlus exemplifies how to achieve this effectively.

‘We are actively sharing our insights with housing, employment, and health partners across the Liverpool City Region and nationwide. Together, we are driving forward this approach and are eager to expand its reach to support and empower more individuals in the years ahead.’