www accelerate org uk 02476 633911 infoaccelerate org

www. accelerate. org. uk 02476 633911 | info@accelerate. org. uk

What is Accelerate ? £ 3 million Building Better Opportunities project. Led by Coventry & Warwickshire CDA. The project brought together 23 partners to provide each participant with a single access point to confidence building, work experience, skills enhancement, enterprise support and practical help to overcome barriers. Each participant is assigned a journey guide responsible for working with them to design a tailor made package of support to meet their individual requirements. Provide a holistic service Accelerate your journey into work… www. accelerate. org. uk | 02476 633911 | info@accelerate. org. uk

Accelerate Partners Accelerate your journey into work… www. accelerate. org. uk | 02476 633911 | info@accelerate. org. uk

Accelerate Project Outcomes Project participants feel more confident and have a more positive outlook which will enable them to look for and take up work/training opportunities Participants gain a clearer understanding of the world of work, what is available in the labour market and employers expectations Participants gain new skills and overcome specific barriers helping them move closer to work and new approaches to job creation create opportunities for specific groups which are poorly represented in the labour market Participants gain more awareness of support services available and become more pro-active in seeking out relevant support Accelerate your journey into work… www. accelerate. org. uk | 02476 633911 | info@accelerate. org. uk

Accelerate Targets/Results As at 30 th September 2018 Description Target Actual Percentage Number of participants 820 933 113% Participants aged 50 plus 139 271 194% Participants with disabilities 163 384 235% Participants from Ethnic Minorities 99 309 312% Number move into employment 94 118 125% Accelerate your journey into work… www. accelerate. org. uk | 02476 633911 | info@accelerate. org. uk

Accelerate outcomes Description Target Actual Participants Access More job interviews 170 261 People develop new skills through project training 115 224 Participants more proactive in seeking out relevant services 291 427 Accelerate your journey into work… www. accelerate. org. uk | 02476 633911 | info@accelerate. org. uk

What’s Accelerates USP? Opportunity Connector Role – Really see the difference in partners interaction when the connector post is filled. Purpose of the post Facilitating Connections – work with project delivery partners to help participants connect with the project provision best suited to them and ensure partners are working together Qualities – Support partners to improve quality of provision as required User Involvement – Support project participants to get involved in project feedback, steering groups etc. Accelerate your journey into work… www. accelerate. org. uk | 02476 633911 | info@accelerate. org. uk

Why has Accelerate worked? • CDA & partners embedded in the community • Effective original partnership • Partnership has continued to work effectively • Well attended steering group & regular partnership events • Continued good relations Accelerate your journey into work… www. accelerate. org. uk | 02476 633911 | info@accelerate. org. uk

What has Accelerate got right? • Efficient referral service • Seamless transition – Management • Managing change & rising to challenges • Good marketing material – How we work with employers leaflet Created and maintained good relationships with stakeholders Partners create their own referrals Accelerate your journey into work… www. accelerate. org. uk | 02476 633911 | info@accelerate. org. uk

Chelsea’S Case Study Chelsea 'Accelerates' forward with new job After contacting the Accelerate project, the former administrator was assigned a Journey Guide to look at her situation and understand what barriers were stopping her from getting back into employment. “Having someone to just listen and provide possible solutions straight away was a massive relief and helped push away some of those dark clouds, ” explained Chelsea. “I was in a rut and needed to get out of it so they referred me to the Sky Blues in the Community’s Sports Leadership programme, which was fantastic. It gave me some of my confidence back and helped me get active again, which is great for helping you come to terms with anxiety. ” She went on to add: “I completed the course and was presented with my certificate at half time during a Coventry City game at the Ricoh Arena. My young son came with me, he loved it. ” This was just the start of the support. Journey Guide Kate Henderson worked with Chelsea on updating her CV and making it more relevant to the roles she was applying for, whilst also completing a number of interview skills training sessions with her. She attended a number of Accelerate Events and decided to gain volunteer experience at the Coventry Development Agency, which eventually led to a job offer. “I couldn’t believe it when I got the phone call and was offered the part-time Administration role. They had been so impressed with my attitude and my determination to get back into work that they thought I’d be a valuable asset to the team. Hearing those words was amazing and a massive confidence lift, ” continued Chelsea. “I’m really enjoying my new role. I’m doing part time hours - spread over the week - so it fits in with looking after my little boy and picking him up from school. ” She concluded: “Accelerate has been great and now I’m glad I can give something back by helping people who have been in a similar position to myself. ” Accelerate your journey into work… www. accelerate. org. uk | 02476 633911 | info@accelerate. org. uk

Accelerate has been inspirational for staff, partners & participants https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=wnbcsh 4 GIo. U&feature=youtu. be Mandy Bygrave – m. Bygrave@cwcda. co. uk 07989982727 Accelerate your journey into work… www. accelerate. org. uk | 02476 633911 | info@accelerate. org. uk