Project helping local people into healthcare jobs shortlisted for national award
A scheme that supports people in deprived areas to access healthcare jobs has been shortlisted for a national award.
The Southend 2050 Ambition project, led by Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, has been helping eligible people in Southend to get the skills they need to secure the jobs they want. The project has been shortlisted and will be at the final of the Health Service Journal Awards in the Place-based Partnership Award category.
The project, which is part of the Trust’s Anchor Programme, has already supported almost 150 local people, and more than 60 have started new careers since it launched.
Charlotte Williams, Chief Strategy and Improvement Officer at the Trust, said: “We have always been there to provide care to our local residents, but through the Southend Anchor Programme we recognise how our organisation can go further and help people gain new skills and support them with their careers.
“It has been really valuable to work with local health and care partners, Southend City Council and the voluntary sector to create exciting opportunities for those we serve.”
The project is funded by the Government’s UK Community Renewal Fund to support people and communities most in need. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in London this November.
Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust was awarded over £400,000 to deliver the programme, which it invested in Southend City Council, A Better Start Southend, South Essex Community Hub and Generation Medics. These local partners help people most in need to secure quality work at Southend Hospital, or in another local health or care organisation, through skills training, and intensive individual support.
Cllr Kay Mitchell, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health Integration at Southend City Council, said: “It is wonderful for Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust to be shortlisted for this prestigious award. I hope that the many staff that the project covers can take pride in this nomination that recognises their hard work, dedication and resilience over the last few years.”