Hundreds of local people have transformed their lives – finding jobs, gaining qualifications, and taking their first steps back into education – thanks to another remarkable year of employment support delivered by AFC Fylde Community Foundation, funded through Fylde Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocation.
From young people who had fallen out of education to adults facing homelessness, mental health challenges and long-term unemployment, the Foundation’s programmes have offered genuinely life-changing support right across the Fylde area.
Over the past year, 116 adults were supported through the Fylde Focus 19+ programme, with 57 securing employment in roles ranging from teaching assistance to marketing. A further 60 young people aged 16 to 18 were helped through the NEET programme, with 50 progressing into education or training and 60 supported into work. The Training Ground programme exceeded its targets, helping 152 people gain qualifications – well above the original goal of 120 – while the Apprenticeship Scheme successfully placed ten local people with employers across Fylde, from hospitality to healthcare.
Support was delivered in community venues across the borough, including St Annes Job Centre and local community centres, ensuring it was accessible to those who needed it most. Strong partnerships with Jobcentre Plus, Lancashire County Council, YMCA Harbour House, and local colleges meant residents received wraparound support that went far beyond finding a job.
Councillor Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, said: “These results are something our whole community should be incredibly proud of. Behind every one of these figures is a real Fylde resident whose life looks genuinely different today. That is exactly what this funding was meant to achieve, and AFC Fylde Community Foundation have delivered it brilliantly.
“What makes this work so special is that it met people where they were – in local community centres, at Jobcentre Plus and through trusted one-to-one support that tackled real barriers like housing, mental health and the cost of living. This wasn’t a tick-box programme; it was meaningful, personalised help for some of our most vulnerable residents, and the results speak for themselves.
“Fylde Council is proud to have directed our UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocation into partnerships like this one, and I’d like to thank everyone at AFC Fylde Community Foundation for their incredible dedication to the people of Fylde.”
Although UKSPF funding for these programmes has now concluded, support for local residents and employers continues through Connect to Work – a new DWP initiative offering specialist employment support. To find out more, visit https://www.lancashireskillshub.co.uk/connect-to-work/
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