[sm_empty_space][sm_custom_heading heading_tag=”h3″ css_animation=”pulse”]Are you feeling low in confidence, anxious or isolated and not sure how to make changes in your life?[/sm_custom_heading]

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[sm_custom_heading heading_tag=”h1″ css_animation=”pulse”]Action Towards Inclusion[/sm_custom_heading][sm_column_text]We can support you to make positive changes, improve your skills and be more confident. You will receive long-term, one-to-one mentoring and support from an adviser that enables you to overcome barriers, improve your wellbeing and move you closer to education, training, job-searching and employment. Your mentor can also support you to access the services you need to resolve health, finance and skills issues.[/sm_column_text][sm_column_text]

“I feel a better person for it.”

Our careers advisors, Stephen, Julia and Lue, take pride in guiding people to make significant changes in their lives and they have helped many individuals move into learning, volunteer opportunities and paid work. Their approachability and commitment really does change people’s lives![/sm_column_text]

[sm_column_text]Carrie had to stop working four years ago due to ill health. She has worked on her own recovery alongside Stephen’s employability and wellbeing support, which continued throughout the pandemic. It’s been a long road to recovery, but ATI has helped her to work at her own pace. Stephen has helped Carrie to access counselling, to get her ECDL computing qualification, and to get a Level 2 Information, Advice and Guidance qualification to enable her to advise others.

“ATI has prepared me in a way that I could never have imagined. Quickly I began to feel confidence in the process. My keyworker has an enormous archive of knowledge and has been able to guide me from a place where I felt unemployable to a point where I see my worth, know how to sell it and understand myself better.
Stephen supported me to improve my skills and we worked a lot around my different learning needs and styles, particularly when I was struggling to complete courses. He worked with me to set goals that were achievable, and gave me motivation by believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself.
Not only has my CV improved but I understand more about how to target it to different roles. I was linked to Kyra, which gave me a social base which I have never had before.”

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[sm_column_text]Mick was made redundant in 2019 and came to our Action Towards Inclusion project for support. He needed help with his English and IT skills, which he was able to improve through York Learning classes, as well as working on employability skills like updating his CV, applying for work and improving his interview skills. Through ATI he was also referred to, and received support from, ‘The Energy Doctor’, who helped him lower his electricity tariff; counselling; and North Yorkshire Sport for Wellbeing.

“I went into the project with an open mind” he says, “‘Let’s see where it takes me’. It’s all been a massive learning curve and I feel a better person for it. The Action Towards Inclusion project has just been absolutely first class, top notch, and I would advise anybody and everybody to take that first step and do it with confidence because York Learning will help you to the ‘nth degree.”

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[sm_custom_heading]Meet the team[/sm_custom_heading][sm_team_slider][sm_team_slider_item name=”Julia Watola” title=”Learning, Skills & Employment Advisor”]Previously working in Community Engagement and Outreach, Julia works alongside participants supporting them to build their confidence and resilience while gaining skills, knowledge and qualifications.
Julia has a BSc (Hons)in Geography, PGCE in Primary Education and Level 4 Information Advice and Guidance qualification; she loves to travel off the beaten track and enjoys food.[/sm_team_slider_item][sm_team_slider_item name=”Lue Jaques” title=”Learning, Skills & Employment Advisor”]Lue started her career supporting the homeless in York. From this she discoved a passion for supporting young people, and then worked with Future Goals, helping young adults into work and education, supporting them to build their confidence whilst gaining skills.
Lue has great interest in art and design, adding a creative spin on job searching and employability.
[/sm_team_slider_item][sm_team_slider_item name=”Stephen Dunn” title=”Learning, Skills & Employment Advisor”]Stephen’s job is to support people with barriers return to the workplace. He has particular experience in supporting people with mental health issues. Stephen has a BA (Hons) in Counselling and Psychological Studies, a Level 4 qualification in Information, Advice and Guidance and is a qualified Adult Education tutor.
Outside of York Learning he has two Doctor Who short stories published and enjoys using beta versions of software.[/sm_team_slider_item][/sm_team_slider]

[sm_custom_heading heading_tag=”h3″]Want more information? Fill in the form below or call 01904 554277.[/sm_custom_heading]

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[sm_column_text]You’re eligible for Action Towards Inclusion if:

You’re over 18 and
You are unemployed and have an additional barrier such as health, age, basic skills or financial problems or
You’re “economically inactive” and receiving UC, Income Support, Pension Credit or not claiming any type of benefit and not working.

You’re not eligible if you’re working, including 0 hour contracts.

What can I expect?

You’ll have a adviser, who will work with you on a one-to-one basis.

You may decide to be involved in other activities which will help you to overcome your barriers and move closer to training, education, and employment.  These could include English, maths and ICT skills as well as other activities.

You’ll also have the opportunity to access help from other providers, which could include:

Access to workshops to help you understand your skills, develop your CV, interview skills, job search and job applications
Access to community support and services
Digital skills
Health and well-being activities, such as counselling
Vocational training, volunteering and work experience
Debt advice
Crisis resolution[/sm_column_text]

[sm_column_text]Information for Referral Agencies

These activities are being delivered as part of the Action Towards Inclusion project, part of the national Building Better Opportunities (BBO) programme. This project is being funded by the Big Lottery Fund and the European Social Fund (ESF).[/sm_column_text]