“Poverty is often a barrier to finding meaningful employment and acquiring new skills, but with the right resources, determination, and perseverance, we can break through those barriers.” —David Brooks, Poverty Activist.
It’s no secret that Local Authorities are struggling. Funding has been cut time and time again, leaving Local Authorities with fewer resources to help those in need. This can be especially difficult when it comes to supporting the hardest to help – those who are unemployed, have a disability, or come from a disadvantaged background. However, there are still ways that Local Authorities can support these individuals and help them find their way back into society. In this blog post, we will discuss five strategies for supporting the hardest to help.
1. Increase Employability:
Local Authorities should focus on increasing employability in their regions to help the unemployed and those with disabilities or other challenges find meaningful work. This could involve offering specialised training programs, incentives for employers hiring from disadvantaged backgrounds, or creating suitable job boards. They can also look to online tools that help individuals understand the skills that can be used in the labour market.
2. Strengthen Community Ties:
Local Authorities should look for ways to strengthen ties within the community by providing a platform for people to connect with one another and foster relationships. This could include setting up local events like career fairs or job clubs or even having regular meet-ups where people can get together and discuss issues they are facing.
3. Improve Accessibility:
Local Authorities should strive to make sure that the services they offer are accessible to those who need them. This could involve making sure buildings are wheelchair-friendly, providing interpreters for people with hearing impairments, or offering confidential helplines for those who feel vulnerable. This isn’t just limited to physical accessibility; Local Authorities should consider adopting technology that allows all residents to access the employability support they need.
4. Expand Mental Health Services:
Local Authorities should also focus on expanding the mental health services available in their area. Mental health issues can be a huge hindrance to someone’s ability to find meaningful work and get back into society, so Local Authorities should strive to increase access to mental health resources such as counselling, group therapy sessions, and even online support groups.
5. Provide Financial Assistance:
Local Authorities should not underestimate the importance of providing financial assistance when necessary. For example, Local Authorities could provide short-term financial assistance to help individuals cover bills, rent, or even medical costs. This can be a huge help for those who are struggling and in need of support.
Overall, Local Authorities have an important role to play when it comes to supporting the hardest to help. These five strategies can be used by Local Authorities to ensure they are providing the best possible services and resources to those in need. With the right approach, Local Authorities can make a real difference in helping people overcome their challenges and find their way back into society.
Conclusion
The term ‘hardest to help’ is used when referring to individuals who face the most significant barriers in employment. This group includes people with a disability, ex-offenders, and those with mental health issues. There are many reasons why this group struggle in securing meaningful employment; lack of skills, experience or confidence can be some of the primary factors. However, as an organisation that supports employability, we believe that everyone deserves a chance at finding fulfilling work. This is why we offer specialised support for the hardest to help through our website and services. If you want to learn more about how we can support you or your organisation, sign up for one of our freemium packages today. You’ll even receive a free marketing toolkit upon signing up!