ABZWorks fund helps develop employability services

Local groups and organisations in Aberdeen that are committed to offering employability services came together at a networking event organised by Aberdeen City Council.

Each of the organisations had received financial support from the Council’s employability service ABZWorks Development Fund. The fund offers local providers the opportunity to build their capacity to deliver employability-related activities that have a particular focus on those with barriers to employment.

Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Ian Yuill, said: “It was great to hear from local organisations that have received ABZWorks Development funding about how they are using it to develop their employability initiatives across the city. The support, training and other opportunities these organisations provide make a real difference and help people into employment.

“This can lead to positive changes, not just to those who receive it, but their families as well.”

The networking event celebrated the work that the recipient organisations have done so far, employability provision and plans for future activity. It also gave them the opportunity to share good practice, learn more about other organisations in the city and consider ways of working together.

The Council’s External Funding Team was on hand to signpost participants to further funding opportunities to help them build on the good work they have been doing.

Organisations represented at the event included Absafe, Your Love Rara, Instant Neighbour, Denis Law Legacy Trust, Touch of Love, Black and Scot, Inchgarth Community Centre, Middlefield Community Project, and Bethany Christian Trust.

Louise Richardson, CEO, Absafe, said: “It is always good to get people round a table, to hear people’s stories, to look at the impact of Absafe’s work on the community in Aberdeen, and celebrate that work. Everyone wants to make a difference in our communities and this event promotes support.”

Rhys Jones, community coordinator, Denis Law Academy, Denis Law Legacy Trust, said: “There have been numerous benefits of this networking event. It’s been the first chance we have had to meet with the other recipients of the fund and hear about what they are doing, and it has enabled us to connect with different organisations and see where we can work together.”

The Development Fund supports small, local groups and organisations across the city, primarily within the priority areas: Kincorth, Ashgrove, Stockethill, Torry, George Street, Middlefield, Mastrick, Cummings Park, Northfield, Heathryfold, Seaton, Woodside, and Tillydrone.

ABZWorks utilised No One Left Behind monies from the Scottish Government to create the Development Fund to help it connect with those hardest to reach and gently move them onto and along the employment pipeline.

Those facing barriers to employment can include someone leaving school without knowing what their next steps are; limited work experience; having a disability; being care experienced; being from a minority ethnic background; a parent or carer or someone with previous offending behaviour.

To find out more about ABZWorks visit www.abzworks.co.uk or email abzworks@aberdeencity.gov.uk or call the ABZWorks team on 01224 346100 (Monday to Friday 9am-5pm).