BBO Bridges (Steps to Work)

Steps to Work are the lead organisation for a new and exciting £10.6 million Black Country-wide Building Better Opportunities project funded jointly by the Big Lottery Fund and European Union through the European Social Fund.

A partnership of 28 organisations across the Black Country will support thousands of people over the age of 25 to reach their individual goals.  The partnership consists of hand-picked organisations covering a wide range of specialisms including health issues & disabilities, drug & alcohol, LGBT, refugee & migrants along with many more.

This project is part-funded by the European Social Fund Programme 2014-2020.

Start Date: 6 June 2016

End Date: 31 December 2018

ERDF Funding:

Steps to Work vision is to create opportunities and change futures by working with local people and businesses across the West Midlands.   BBO project staff will be delivering the programme known as BRIDGES from various locations across the Black Country providing support to people with multiple barriers and improving employability. BRIDGES can help with any of the following:

Confidence and Motivation
One-to-One Mentoring
Information, Advice and Guidance
CV and Application Form Support
Job Search Support
Arts and Crafts
Volunteering Opportunities

Steps to Work Deputy Chief Executive Sue Brookes said:

“Steps to Work are thrilled to have been awarded this Grant by ESF and Big Lottery.  Building Opportunities is the heart of what we do at Steps to Work. We are excited to be leading this partnership; utilising our wealth of experience and knowledge to build better futures for people in the BlackCountry”.

If you would like to know more about the BRIDGES project please contact: Steps to work on 01922 627555, enquiries@stepstowork.co.uk

European Social Fund

The project is receiving up to £5,335,000 of funding from the European Social Fund as part of the 2014-2020 European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme in England. The Department for Work and Pensions (and in London the intermediate body Greater London Authority) is the Managing Authority for the England European Social Fund programme. Established by the European Union, the European Social Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support skills development, employment and job creation, social inclusion and local community regenerations. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding.