The Building Better Opportunities programme is funded by Big Lottery Fund and the European Social Fund (ESF) who are co-investing in local projects tackling the root causes of worklessness, promoting social inclusion and driving local jobs and growth.

Community Matters is one of four projects within this programme across the Black Country and will help those in Walsall, Wolverhampton, Dudley and Sandwell move into employment by developing their skills and confidence. Community Matters is managed by the Heart of England Community Foundation in partnership with local organisations across the Black Country that provide tailored support to improve the lives, living conditions and raise the aspirations of marginalised individuals.

WELL Associates is just one of those partners. We will be working alongside the following partners to deliver the project; Access to Business, Accord Age Matters Walsall, Bilston Resource Centre, Black Country Housing Group, Dudley Caribbean and Friends Association, Ideal For All, Just Straight Talk, Manor Farm Community Association, Refugee and Migrant Centre, SWEDA TLC College, Walsall College, Walsall Housing Group and Zebra Access.

Target areas in all four boroughs have been identified, and some of the project’s activities will be delivered across the Black Country while others will take a more localised approach, focusing on a specific borough, town or estate. Activities will include basic skills training and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), accredited training, weekly jobs clubs, employment/self-employment information sessions, targeted employability programmes and literacy, numeracy and financial skills workshops.

WELL are delivering a sector specific programme which will provide the skills, support, mentoring, job opportunities and experience to communities across the Black Country to gain employment in the leisure, tourism and hospitality sector. WELL offers a comprehensive programme to provide individuals with the confidence, support, skill, training and practical experience to lead them to employment in the sector. All participants will;

· Undertake the ‘Gateway to Employment in leisure, tourism & hospitality’ 5 day intensive programme providing you with the relevant support, mentoring, skills, training & work experience to gain employment.

· Have access to a Learning Mentor and Coach to provide ongoing support throughout.

· Gain a formally accredited qualification in Leisure and Tourism.

· Have one-to-one support sessions providing whatever support you need to help you into work.

For more information about the BBO Community Matters Project please contact Lead Trainer: Amy Rowsell Email: amy@welltraining.co.uk. Tel: 0121 752 0963

To speak with a member of the Programme Management Team at Heart of England Community Foundation please email bbo@heartofenglandcf.co.uk or visit www.heartofenglandcf.co.uk