Big Lottery grant secures future of YMCA Exeter Job Clubs

YMCA Exeter have been awarded a grant worth £304,781 from The National Lottery Big Lottery Fund, securing the future of their Community Job Clubs for the next three years.

The charity runs Job Clubs across the city, delivering specialist support to anyone affected by factors which make obtaining work seem hopeless, such as homelessness, criminal history, disabilities, or living in deprived areas. More than 300 people this year have obtained help with accessing up to date job lists in the area, C.V. development, completing applications forms, interview skills, support with IT skills, as well as the opportunity to attend money management and preparation for work courses.

YMCA Exeter runs ten Job Clubs a week and so far this year over half the people who attended on a regular basis had a positive outcome. This could have included employment, education, training or volunteering, with almost 100 individuals securing paid employment.

The charity believes that most people want to work and that everyone has the right to meaningful employment. In successfully receiving The Big Lottery Fund, the project is able to both nurture and flourish an already transformative work within Exeter.

Speaking about YMCA Exeter Community Job Clubs, one attendee said: "I am absolutely delighted not to be on the dole anymore and I can’t praise YMCA volunteers enough! They gave me one-to-one support that really made a difference."

Peter Stephenson, YMCA Exeter CEO, describes how unlike so much current political rhetoric and some public opinion, our Job Clubs begin with the premise that disadvantaged people really do want to work and to contribute to society.

"Job Club staff and volunteers get alongside all kinds of people to give hope, to support, encourage and equip them with the necessary skills they need in order to transition smoothly into working life and achieve economic independence, he said.

"Our results speak for themselves when contrasted with employment programmes based on a coercive approach. We are thrilled that The Big Lottery have got behind this vision and that we are able to continue bringing employment, training, education and volunteering opportunities to those who might not otherwise receive them.”

The Big Lottery Fund Deputy Director, Tim Davies-Pugh, said: "This grant is a significant investment in vulnerable people and communities across the South West, as the projects we have funded today demonstrate how National Lottery funding can provide a lifeline to people who would otherwise struggle in their day-to-day life."