Work Solutions in line for national awards

An organisation that supports hundreds of offenders and ex-offenders into training and work across Rochdale is in line for awards in recognition of its drive to reduce long standing unemployment.

Work Solutions, who have staff based at probation offices in the borough, is through to the final of the Regeneration and Renewal Awards for its pioneering work with offenders from across Great Manchester. The not-for-profit organisation, which has worked with more than 400 offenders in Rochdale and Middleton, is a finalist alongside some of the most well known regeneration agencies in the country in the ‘award for tackling worklessness’ category.

It is also a regional finalist in the National Training Awards for its work in helping offenders over the last year. The regional ceremony in Manchester will be held next month.

The announcements follow a good year for the offender services team, who work from probation service offices and prisons across Greater Manchester with more than 7,000 offenders every year.

One key element of its work includes a ‘thinking skills for the workplace’ scheme, which has supported more than 100 offenders with anger management and communication issues. It is believed to be the first time such a scheme has been delivered outside a prison in the UK.

Another groundbreaking project sees offenders employed on a construction enterprise scheme, set up by Work Solutions, that helps them gain valuable skills and work experience.

The organisation has also spearheaded a marketing campaign targeting thousands of employers across the North West to raise awareness of the benefits of working with this under-employed social group.

Work Solutions’ Acting Operations Manager Andy MacDonald said: “We are delighted to have been acknowledged by the judges as worthy of a place in the finals of these awards. This reflects the results we are achieving in Rochdale and Middleton, often in areas where support is needed most. We find in our work with offenders that often they are committed and want to work, but a lack of support may have stopped them from getting on in the past.

“This recognition proves that our support is making a difference. We remain committed to taking the message to employers and the public, that making a difference in this area is a ‘triple win’ scenario, for offenders, their families and society as a whole.

“All colleagues involved in getting us to this stage have done us and the region proud.”

It is the second year running that Work Solutions has been nominated for a Regeneration and Renewal award. Last year, the organisation was highly commended in the ‘social enterprise of the year’ category for its work with hundreds of unemployed residents.

The finals take place in London on 18 September.