job support extended to whole communities in Durham

believe housing is expanding its employability support beyond just customers to entire neighbourhoods, offering one-on-one advice and support to people in its homes to help them access jobs, skills, and training.

Its Employability Team supports around 150 customers every year – helping 112 customers into work and 75 into training so far, this financial year.

Now, the not-for-profit landlord is broadening its approach to employability services by offering to assist customers’ out-of-work neighbours too.

The change responds to growing demand from people who do not live in believe housing homes, who are struggling to access other employability services or have been referred to its person-centred support.

The trial includes extra outreach work such as job clubs and digital skills sessions in community venues and it will build on partnerships with local voluntary sector organisations.

Certain support, like the employability fund for travel, interview clothes, and work essentials, will remain available only to believe housing customers.

Rachel Edmunds, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at believe housing, said: “Our Employability Team has consistently changed lives by helping customers to secure better-paid, more stable jobs or take their first steps towards work through volunteering and training opportunities.

“By opening our service to those who were previously excluded, we can share our expertise and work with partners to support more of the community.

“And people who were nervous about seeking help alone may feel more comfortable coming to a local venue with someone they know.”

believe housing hopes that the new approach to employability support will help deliver on wider ambitions in the northeast region, including Mayor Kim McGuinness’ drive to “create an infrastructure of opportunity” to improve job prospects and end child poverty.

Rachel adds: “Ultimately, we’re breaking down barriers for more economically inactive people, creating opportunities for everyone, boosting local wealth, and tackling poverty.”

The trial runs until March 2026 and will be monitored to evaluate its effectiveness and shape future provision.

To find out more about our employability services please click here.