A4E provide support for people who are on sickness related benefits and who want to return to work. Applicants must be 18 years and above.

A4E provide support for people who are on sickness related benefits and who want to return to work. Applicants must be 18 years and above. They provide a programme tailored to each individual's needs which can include:

• Job searches
• CV and interview preparation
• Help with job applications
• Return to work better-off calculations
• Up to 52 weeks in-work support
• A discretionary Back to Work fund

For more information or to make a referral ring 0161 237 3405 or 0800 988 2265. They have offices throughout Manchester. Alternatively, for more information, visit their website at www.a4e.co.uk.

This is a mentoring service to support BME, refugee and asylum seeking residents needing to improve their English language skills with a view to increasing their employability and entry to relevant training. The project is based in Moss Side and is open to 16 year old plus. Services include job searches, application and interview skills, access to information, advice and guidance, and vocationally specific mentoring.

For more information contact Sarah Fyfe on 0161 226 6722 or email sarah.fyfe@barnardos.org.uk.

Blue Orchid offer various programmes throughout Manchester including:

Enterprise Support - this provides support for people who are thinking about self employment. They offer a one day business start up course, women only events and workshops, workshops for pre and post start up and ongoing one to one support for micro businesses.

In Work Mentoring - this in-work mentoring support is available for central Manchester residents over 16 years who have previously been out of work for more than a year and have subsequently been offered a job.

For more information about Blue Orchid programmes, ring 0161 485 4949 or visit www.theblueorchid.co.uk.

This is a not for profit company which provides paid work to people coming out of prison to enable them to move successfully into long term employment.

This is a not for profit company which provides paid work to people coming out of prison to enable them to move successfully into long term employment. Blue Sky is a social enterprise and employs solely ex-offenders in ground maintenance and related work. Targeted training takes place inside prison. Then, upon release, employment commences with on the job training for a one month trial period. If successful, individuals progress onto a longer contract, usually six months. Employees are mentored and led by supervisors who have faced the same challenges. Blue Sky also provides its employees with the necessary social skills to tackle the key transitional phase into employment. An Employment Liaison Officer works with each team member to develop an individual training plan.

For more information call 01895 839848 or visit www.blueskydevelopment.co.uk.

The Employment Advocacy Centre provide a number of services for disabled Manchester residents.

• Outreach advocacy offering people one to one support with employment issues
• A drop in facility for information and resources
• Information days focusing on employment
• Self-advocacy support and workshops on challenging employment barriers and employment rights

For more information ring 0161 273 5412 or visit www.breakthrough-uk.com

The Employment and Training Team offer:

• Individualised support to disabled people who are looking for paid, voluntary work or training
• A disabled persons job club
• Training opportunities in retail, office or horticultural environments

For more information about training ring 0161 998 5257. For more information about employment ring 0161 945 8411 or visit www.breakthrough-uk.com.

This project engages disadvantaged young people, offenders and ex-offenders, educational under achievers, and 6-12 months unemployed. It supports them to start up in business.

Connexions is a careers and advice service for young people aged 13 to 19, and up to 25 for young people with learning difficulties and disabilities.

Connexions is a careers and advice service for young people aged 13 to 19, and up to 25 for young people with learning difficulties and disabilities. Advice can be obtained through the website or from a Personal Advisor in one of the Connexions Centres. They provide advice around education, including further and higher education. For more information about Connexions ring 084567 132 19 or visit their website www.gmconnexions.co.uk.

EASE operate in six of the Probation offices in Manchester (Cheetham Hill, Withington, Wythenshawe, Moss Side, Varley Street and Longsight). Their main focus is to get people into jobs.

EASE operate in six of the Probation offices in Manchester (Cheetham Hill, Withington, Wythenshawe, Moss Side, Varley Street and Longsight). Their main focus is to get people into jobs. However, many clients need to attain a certain educational level before they can do this such as obtaining level 2 qualifications in numeracy and literacy. Much of the work EASE undertakes is around sorting out benefits and any debt. This is because people cannot undertake education, training or employment if they are worrying about their benefits or debt. This involves putting in place things like a repayment plan to avoid eviction.

EASE will undertake a needs assessment with each new client. This includes asking about criminal history and any issues around work. They also have access to OASys (Offender Assessment System) and can find out information about clients on the system. There are no limits to the number of appointments a client can have. They have an average of 20-25 clients per worker of which there are two. If they get clients into employment or training, a letter is sent to the employer asking them to confirm the employment. After four weeks a further check is done to see if this employment has been sustained. They also provide post order support in circumstances where an order has finished but EASE has not finished their work with them. This usually takes place in a setting other than Probation.

EASE also hold the Progress to Work (P2W) contract for most of Greater Manchester (except Stockport and Tameside). This service is delivered in partnership with Jobcentre Plus. It is aimed at stable drug users who are capable of working. P2W advisers will also go into Probation offices to run some of their services as offenders are prime targets. They provide specialist employment advice and guidance, assisting with work-focused skills development and ongoing one-to-one support. They also help clients overcome barriers to employment and training including health, housing, debt and criminal convictions.

To be eligible for P2W, clients must be:

• Unemployed
• Aged 18-65
• Claiming a 'Working Age' benefit such as Jobs Seekers Allowance, Incapacity Benefit, Income Support, Disability Living Allowance, Invalid Care Allowance
• Stable or undergoing drug treatment and be willing to commit to employment or training programme

Any organisation can refer someone to P2W.

In partnership with Probation, EASE deliver the New Directions Activity Requirement (NDAR). This is a short group work programme imposed by the Court attached to a Community Order for lower level offenders. EASE provide advice and support for offenders who come through the programme to find employment.

For more information contact EASE on 01706 752470 or visit www.everydayskills.co.uk.

This project targets specific groups such as lone parents with children under 7 who are on Income Support and are not required to access mainstream services. It engages them through Children's Centres.

For more information contact Carolyn Siddal 0161 636 7540.

FAST supports the development and progression of disabled people and people from ethnic minority communities, into mainstream provision, learning and employment.

FAST supports the development and progression of disabled people and people from ethnic minority communities, into mainstream provision, learning and employment. FAST is a job broker under the New Deal for Disabled people (NDDP) initiative and also offers training through Learn Direct and ONCW courses.

For more information ring 0161 740 3399.

This is a national service for single parents with offices based throughout the country. The Manchester branch is based at the Windrush Millennium Centre, 70 Alexandra Road, Moss Side.

The service offers:

• Information, advice and guidance
• Pre recruitment training which covers job searches and applications, interview skills and overcoming barriers to work
• Vocational training
• Work placements
• A personal development programme
• Accredited basic IT course
• A confidence building and goal setting course

For more information contact Carolyn Siddall or Batir Ali on 0161 636 7564 or visit the national website at www.gingerbread.org.uk.

This service is available for worklessness or economically inactive residents who are 18 years and above. It provides paid work experience placements for out of work adults for up to 26 weeks ranging from 15 to 30 hours per week.

This service is available for worklessness or economically inactive residents who are 18 years and above. It provides paid work experience placements for out of work adults for up to 26 weeks ranging from 15 to 30 hours per week.

For more information ring Martina Taylor on 0161 220 1000 or visit www.groundworknw.org.uk.

Multi Cultural Learning and Resource Centre, supporting the South Manchester community with learning opportunities, careers guidance and personal support.

Inspired Sisters is a multi-cultural learning and resource centre supporting the South Manchester community. They help users overcome the barriers they face through a range of learning opportunities, careers guidance and personal support. This empowers the users by helping them to both build confidence and encourage social interaction.

Their approach is to combine education and social interaction for women through a range of opportunities such as:

• Coffee mornings
• Careers and job conventions
• Community gardening days
• Discussion forums
• Awareness days on health, domestic abuse, employment, beauty, safety
• Days out / trips
• Food tasting sessions

For more information visit www.inspiredsisters.org or ring 0161 224 9090.

Jobcentre Plus is a Government agency whose aim is to help people find employment.

Jobcentre Plus is a Government agency whose aim is to help people find employment. JCP provides resources to enable job searches through Jobpoints (touch screen computer terminals), Jobseeker Direct (telephone service) and online via www.direct.gov.uk. They also administer claims for working age benefits such as Income Support, Incapacity Benefit, Employment and Support Allowance, Job Seekers Allowance and loans and grants. All job seekers, both employed and unemployed, can access job information but JCP offers additional help for those who are unemployed and claiming a work age benefit. JCP has a large database of job vacancies which is updated constantly. The jobs and skills search lets you search for jobs, training, career information, voluntary work and child care provision across the UK. The online service also provides useful tips for improving job seeking techniques.

Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) and the Customer Journey JSA is the main benefit for people of working age who are:

• capable of work
• available for work
• actively seeking work
• out of work or who work less than 16 hours a week on average
• not in relevant education

New claimants can either ring the Centre to make a claim for JSA, or apply online. (Usually, the first three days of a new claim for JSA are classed as ‘waiting days’ and JSA is not payable for this period.) To make a claim for JSA, call 0800 055 6688 between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday.

An appointment will be made for the claimant to attend the Jobcentre for a new claims interview. At this interview, a Jobseekers Agreement will be completed and signed. This is where the client and Jobseeker Advisor agree what steps the client will take to look for work. The Advisor can also provide advice about what help is available around writing CVs, preparing for interviews, confidence building, and work skills. For the next three months, claimants must attend a jobsearch review meeting every fortnight (signing on). The claimant must show evidence of what steps they have taken to look for work. This will include which employers they have contacted, where they have looked for work (newspapers, internet, etc.) and any jobs they have applied for. A Back to Work session is arranged between weeks 6 and 9.

Those who have been unemployed for 3 months must attend an interview with a Personal Advisor. The purpose of this interview is to review the client needs and circumstances including any barriers to work. Advice is given around what options are available. Signing on is increased to weekly for 13 weeks for 18-24 year olds and for 6 weeks for those over 25.

After 6 months an interview will take place with the Personal Advisor to discuss participating in three mandatory activities. Signing on is again increased to weekly for a 6 week period.

After 12 months the claimant is referred to a specialist provider for a more intensive programme of support called Flexible New Deal (FND).

Failing to attend any interview, back to work session or signing late could result in JSA being reduced or stopped.

JCP offer a number of programmes and services which provide additional support for some groups of people or financial assistance to those attending interview or starting work:

Employment on Trial
This is designed to encourage people to try out a new job. Normally if you leave a job voluntarily and without good cause, you would lose entitlement to benefit. However, Employment on Trial may allow you to leave a job and claim Jobseekers Allowance without the reason for leaving affecting your entitlement to benefit provided you:

• have been in the job for at least four weeks and one day
• the job lasted no more than 12 weeks
• have worked at least 16 hours in each complete week
• have not worked or been a full time student during the 13 weeks prior to starting the job

Anyone dismissed or who leaves the job because of misconduct might still lose benefit.

Work Trial
This is a voluntary trial in an actual job and gives customers the opportunity to show an employer that they are the right person for the job. Customers will continue to receive benefits and will also be paid expenses such as travel expenses. If they are offered the job at the end of the trial and accept, it does not mean that all their benefits will automatically end. A Better Off calculation can show what in-work benefits may be available to supplement the wage. This will differ due to personal circumstances. More details can be obtained from Jobcentre Plus Advisers.

New Deal for Disabled People (NDDP)
This programme is delivered through Job Brokers who offer a wide range of support. This includes help with identifying suitable jobs, writing CVs, applying for jobs, preparing for interviews, and identifying any training needs. They can also offer support during the first six months of work and arrange for extra support in the workplace such as special equipment.

Progress To Work (P2W)
Is for those with a history of substance misuse who are employment ready. JCP can refer customers onto a specialist caseworker who will support them through drug treatment, if necessary. They will help them to find the training needed to build up skills and confidence to return to work. The caseworker will also help customers look and apply for jobs. When customers are back in work or training, they will stay in touch for up to 13 weeks, providing support and help with any problems during that time.

Travel to Interview Scheme
JCP may be able to pay for travel to attend job interviews provided the candidate is out of work and receiving benefits, are invited to interview for a specific job of at least 16 hours a week or more which is expected to last at least 3 months, and have lived in their area for at least 4 weeks with the interview taking place outside their area. Applications must be made prior to the interview and can be for bus, coach, train or car mileage. JCP will contact the employer before deciding if they can fund the travel. Applications can also be made for the cost of overnight accommodation if there is no other option.

Job Grant
If customers have been claiming Employment and Support Allowance, Incapacity Benefit, Income Support, JSA or Sever Disability Allowance for 6 months and are starting work of more than 16 hours per week for at least 5 weeks, they may receive a Job Grant. This is a tax free lump sum which will automatically be paid if the client is eligible and they have informed JCP they are commencing work. The grant is £100 for single people and couples or £250 for lone parents or couples with children.

In Work Credit
Is a fixed tax free payment of £40 per week for lone parents with at least one child under 16 payable for 52 weeks on top of earnings, if the job is 16 hours a week or more and is expected to last at least 5 weeks. Claims need to be made before employment commences. Claimants must have been receiving one or a combination of Income Support, JSA, and Employment and Support Allowance for at least 52 weeks.

European Social Fund (ESF)
This is a European Union programme that funds training, employment and other opportunities for people who are unemployed or who have not worked for a long time. Individuals may be eligible if they are unemployed, have a disability or health condition, are a lone parent or disadvantaged parent or carer, are an older worker, are from an ethnic minority group or are facing disadvantage because they are an ex-offender. Current ESF programmes run until 2013 and individuals can be referred by JCP or apply directly when opportunities are advertised locally. These opportunities are delivered for JCP by providers who offer support tailored to individual needs. An action plan is developed designed at enabling the individual to find work. This can include confidence building courses, mentoring, help with writing CVs and job applications, job searches, help with interview techniques, pre employment and work placement opportunities, and support during work and qualifications.

Flexible New Deal
Those who have been on Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) for more than 12 months will be required to engage with the Flexible New Deal (FND) programme where they will learn skills to increase their chances of gaining employment. Job seekers will be provided with a personalised support package which may include job search advice and skills training. The FND providers will draw up an action plan and participants are expected to attend meetings, undertake a four week work placement, take part in training and support, and actively look for work. FND can last up to 12 months and in addition, customers must attend the Jobcentre every two weeks. People refusing to take part or not meeting certain responsibilities such as completing activities may lose benefits.

For more information about benefits and JCP services and programmes, visit www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Jobseekers or ring 0845 604 3719.

This is a joint initiative between Manchester Libraries and MAES which is delivered in most libraries across Manchester.

The service offers:

• Free advice and guidance to help people get off benefits and into work and training Tips and advice about job searches
• Help with writing and updating CVs Advice about job applications
• Interview practice

For more information contact Brian Shepherd on 0800 083 2121.

This initiative offers a two week pre recruitment training course to assist people to apply for vacancies with a variety of employers at Manchester Airport.

This initiative offers a two week pre recruitment training course (delivered at Wythenshawe Forum) to assist people to apply for vacancies with a variety of employers at Manchester Airport. An interview is guaranteed upon completion of the course. To be eligible residents must:

• Be unemployed
• Have a 5 year checkable work history
• Be able to travel to the airport in unsocial hours
• Be able to work shifts
• Not have any unspent convictions from a disqualifying list

For more information ring Maggie Unwin on 0161 489 3907 or email Maggie.unwin@manairport.co.uk.

Manchester City Council: Employment, Enterprise and Skills Activity 2010 The Employment, Enterprise and Skills partnership has commissioned a number of locally delivered services to target worklessness, skills and enterprise amongst Manchester residents.

The Employment, Enterprise and Skills partnership has commissioned a number of locally delivered services to target worklessness, skills and enterprise amongst Manchester residents:

Engagement of Workless Residents with Health Problems / Intensive Support for Residents with Health Problems – Two projects are delivered under this theme that aim to address the gaps in the engagement of residents with health problems who are not required to access mainstream support. Employment support workers are based within the PCT Community Mental Health Trust. This increases the amount of support available for customers on Incapacity Benefit.

For more information contact Suzan Wilson, Work Solutions on 0161 205 4426.

This website contains help and advice for people looking for a job. This includes information about skills training, apprenticeships, redundancy, the Future Jobs Fund, benefits and how to claim them, and debt.

This website contains help and advice for people looking for a job. This includes information about skills training, apprenticeships, redundancy, the Future Jobs Fund, benefits and how to claim them, and debt. The website also contains a link to vacancies within Manchester City Council www.manchester.gov.uk.

For more information visit www.manchester.gov.uk/helpinghands or call 0161 234 5678

Manchester Solutions is a major provider of employment, recruitment and skills services to employers, local people and the government.

In partnership with Probation, they deliver Offender Learning and Skills Service (OLASS) in the community, including skills for life, literacy and numeracy. They operate in three Probation offices across Manchester (Moss Side, Cheetham Hill and Wythenshawe). However, the Achieve worker can refer clients from other Probation Offices. Clients have an initial one to one assessment. From this an Individual Action Plan is produced.

They deliver a series of special classes to prepare offenders for sustainable employment. This includes the 'thinking skills for the workplace' course designed to help offenders deal with interpersonal issues that may prevent them from finding and keeping a job.

They also deliver the Intensive Alternatives to Custody (IAC) service. This is a two year pilot (April 2009 to March 2011) operating in Manchester and Salford. It is for 18 to 25 year old males who would normally receive a sentence of up to 12 months in custody. Rather than enter prison, the offender is sentenced to a 12 month IAC Order. Each Order comprises varies elements such as curfews (tagging), Community Payback, reporting, and programmes inclusive of an ETE specified activity. The service operates at Shudehill Probation office. It includes staff from Probation, Work Solutions, GMP, Partners of Prisoners, and four community outreach workers from G4S. Each offender is given 3 to 5 requirements to meet. Many of these elements are delivered on site. Individuals are required to attend up to 4 times a week in the initial intensive (three month) period. Offenders are referred by the court, with the initial court report providing the recommendation rationale.

For more information ring 0161 233 2684, email info@worksolutions.org.uk or visit www.economic-solutions.co.uk.

This project provides a money advice service for residents across Manchester.

This project provides a money advice service for residents across Manchester. This includes advice around credit, personal budgeting, bank accounts and household bills.

For more information ring 0161 230 2100 or Money Matters on 0161 223 1155.

Offers further education, apprenticeships or employment to 16-18 year old who are disadvantaged, offenders or at risk of offending.

Nacro is a national organisation which works with disadvantaged people, offenders and those at risk of offending. It helps them change their lives and find positive alternatives to crime. Entry to Employment is for young people aged 16-18. It aims to prepare them to move into further education, apprenticeships or employment by offering training and qualifications in areas including literacy and numeracy, health and safety, equality and diversity and personal and social development. The training lasts approximately 19 weeks and provides young people with, amongst other things:

• opportunities to sample different work and learning contexts
• opportunities to gain practical skills in the following types of work: painting and decorating, sporting activities, cooking, arts and crafts, and lifeskills
• opportunities to gain qualifications in basic literacy, basic numeracy, health and safety, food hygiene, Asdan Sports and Fitness, Duke of Edinburgh.

Applications can be via Connexions or self referral.

For more information contact Nacro on 0161 274 3529 or visit their website www.nacro.org.uk

The purpose of the NLDC fund is to support local voluntary and community sector organisations to develop their capacity to deliver learning opportunities for residents of disadvantaged neighbourhoods. The aim of the fund is to build the skills levels of Manchester residents while complementing and providing progression routes to further learning and employment support. Low level first steps community based training is initially offered with residents before progressing to mainstream services such as MAES should they wish to. A number of providers across Manchester are delivering this provision.

For further information contact Jonathan Putt 0161 234 1506.

This is a free service for everyone aged 20 and over (or over 18 if referred from Jobcentre Plus). They offer information, advice and guidance around education and employment.

This is a free service for everyone aged 20 and over (or over 18 if referred from Jobcentre Plus). They offer information, advice and guidance around education and employment. Their website lists recruitment agency websites and job searches websites. It also contains an on-line toolbox to assist in writing CVs and job applications, finding courses, and checking whether applicants have the right skills for the job. In addition, a career browser is available which allows people to click on a career they are interested in. It then provides details on the skills and qualifications required for that role, on-site training offered, expected salary, work involved and typical hours. Alternatively, appointments can be made to see an adviser face to face.

For more information or to book an appointment with an advisor ring 0800 107 4060 or visit www.nextstepgreatermanchester.org.uk

This service specialises in the recruitment of people who have a health condition or disability.

This service specialises in the recruitment of people who have a health condition or disability. To be eligible, people must be on either Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) for more than 6 months, Incapacity Benefit / ESA, Income Support with a disability premium, or be a recent education leaver. For people who have been on JSA for less than 6 months, Remploy can do a business case if they feel that they need the support.

They offer:

• Support, guidance and advice to move into employment
• CV writing / cover letters / interview support
• Key skills training course including confidence building, interview techniques, barriers to work, and job searchers
• Employer focused workshops
• In work support for people in employment
• Travel training, dyslexia screening, job coaching, life skills Placements
• They also work with local employers to pre screen candidates, guarantee interviews, and organise work trials and site visits.

For more information ring 0161 834 1043 or visit www.remploy.co.uk

URL: www.remploy.co.uk

The service is available for people who are on health related benefits.

Seetec is a national provider with offices throughout the country. The main office in Manchester is at 111 Piccadilly, Ducie Street, although the service is delivered in various Libraries, Sure Start Centres, Jobcentre Plus offices and Community Centres across Manchester. The service is available for people who are on health related benefits.

They offer:

• Confidence building and skills development
• Help with job searches, CV writing, job applications, and interview technique
• Financial advice
• Travel expenses to main office
• Specialist advice for the hearing impaired

For more information ring 0161 236 8832 or visit www.seetec.co.uk.

This project focuses on primary schools in three areas – Harpurhey, Ardwick and Benchill. The project comprises three areas: Family Learning, Employment Support and Enterprise Support. It aims to build confidence and is available to all parents and family members.

This project focuses on primary schools in three areas – Harpurhey, Ardwick and Benchill. The project comprises three areas: Family Learning, Employment Support and Enterprise Support. It aims to build confidence and is available to all parents and family members.

The range of activities include: informal coffee sessions a variety of workshops aimed at raising aspirations and self-esteem, and providing skills and experiences that enable parents and family members to access employment opportunities specialist support to groups (which can be tailored to meet specific identified needs such as "Setting up a Business") individual support and guidance.

For more information contact Marilyn Eccles on 0161 247 2406.

This project offers long-term intensive support for residents living in Social Housing. Case workers provide assistance with CV writing, job searches, access to training courses and buying clothes for interview.

This project offers long-term intensive support for residents living in Social Housing. Case workers provide assistance with CV writing, job searches, access to training courses and buying clothes for interview.

For more information contact Blue Orchid 0161 485 4949.

This programme aims to support unemployed young people aged between 18 to 30.

This programme aims to support unemployed young people aged between 18 to 30 who fall within one of the four targets of The Prince's Trust:

• Offenders / ex-offenders
• Care leavers
• Educational underachievers
• Long term unemployed (6-12 months)

The project helps young people look at self employment as a possible option. Each young person is given the opportunity to attend an Information Session and a four-day Exploring Enterprise course. The course looks at the various aspects of starting a business, including sales, marketing, tax / VAT and also personal money management.

Those who fail to complete the course or who complete the course but decide that self employment is not an option will be offered a Progression Mentor. The Progression Mentor will help them look at other options such as employment, education and training. They can also return to the programme within 12 months.

Those who complete the course will be linked with a Programme Executive to assist them in the preparation of their business plan and funding application. They will also be linked in with a Business Mentor. The programme can also offer financial support in the form of grants or loans:

• Will it Work Grants - one off grants up to £150 that can be used for market research during the business planning stage.
• Start Up Grants - grants up to £750 for clients whose start up costs are minimal and have poor credit history.
• Start Up Loans - up to a maximum of £2,100 based on the agreed start up funding required within the business plan. It is repayable over a three year period with a flat interest rate of 3%.

Clients who start their own business are linked with their Mentor for a minimum of two years. They also have access to a wide range of free or discounted services provided by the Prince's Trust.

For more information ring 0161 874 7380 or visit the website www.princes-trust.org.uk.