Residents across Fylde who are facing homelessness could soon benefit from dedicated, one-to-one employability support, following Fylde Council’s decision to work with AFC Fylde Community Foundation on the delivery of a specialist support programme.
The Council’s Executive Committee heard this week how the new Fylde Focus programme will help people who have been out of work for a long time, including those from generations without employment experience, take practical steps towards a job. A dedicated co-ordinator will work with up to 16 clients at any one time, all of whom have had a statutory homeless duty accepted, offering support with CV writing, cover letters, mock interviews and job searches, as well as introductions to local employers and opportunities like work experience, apprenticeships and training.
The programme builds on a successful pilot that supported 15 people referred by Fylde Council’s Housing Services, with 12 going on to engage in training, education or employment. It will also link clients to wider wellbeing support, including mental health services and local partners such as Citizens Advice Fylde and Fylde Foodbank, recognising that finding work often means tackling other challenges first.
Councillor Chris Dixon, Lead Member for Social Wellbeing, said: “Helping people into employment is one of the most powerful things we can do to change lives and break cycles of homelessness. This partnership with AFC Fylde Community Foundation gives residents the tailored, patient support they need to move forward at their own pace.”
The programme runs until March 2029, supporting some of Fylde’s most vulnerable residents towards a more secure future.
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